A great landmark was recorded in the political history of Imo State as the state legislature yesterday made real its threat to impeach the embattled Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.
Agbaso, the younger brother of APGA leader and frontline politician in the state, Martin Agbaso, has been witnessing turbulent session in recent times after the House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee led by Hon Simeon Iwunze indicted him for allegedly collecting N458m bribe from a road construction Boss, Joseph Dina of JPross International Ltd.
Efforts to save his esteemed image and vintage position in the present administration fell like pack of cards yesterday as a triple attack sent him packing out of the Government House. The court presided over by Justice Duruohaigwe of Owerri High Court threw out Agbaso’s prayer that the impeachment against him be stopped as he claimed was denied fair hearing describing the Imo Assembly process illegal for lack of jurisdiction.
The 7man investigative panel set up by the Chief Judge discountenanced this letter for non appearance while the members of the House in an unanimous vote impeached him.
In the ensuring process, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Prince Eze Madumere has been nominated and confirmed by the House as the new number two citizen of the state.
After three weeks of uncertainties characterized by accusation and counter accusations from both parties, the climax of the imbroglio was melodramatic yesterday when members shoved Agbaso aside.
Indications that Thursday was the D-day for the final onslaught against Agbaso emerged when heavy police presence was noticed in the Assembly Complex on PortHacourt Road. Visitors to the Assembly, Staff including journalists were thoroughly frisked and searched before access into the Assembly. The members, except few who had the previous day adjourned for the Easter break were forced to return for the special sitting specially designed for Agbaso’s impeachment. On receiving the report of the 7man committee set up by the Chief Judge, a member of the Committee that probed Agbaso initially, Ikenna Emeh, a lawyer and member representing Isu Constituency stated that the state lawmakers have been vindicated as the 7 man committee in their report has confirmed that the House was unbiased. He thanked the Committee for a job well done before asking the House to adopt the report.
The Majority Leader, Adaku Ihuoma, representing Ahiazu Mbaise moved the motion for impeachment pointing out the necessary Orders and Rules that request the House to remove the Deputy Governor as matter of state urgent importance. His motion was supported by the Minority Leader, Mrs Ekeji. Therefore, the Speaker, Ben Uwajumogu used a voice vote where the Ayes accepted the impeachment. To be sure of the process, the Speaker asked those seeking Agbaso’s removal to move to his right side while those not in support to the left. 23 members moved to the right except the member representing Owerri North, Engr Dan Ikpeazu who carefully moved out and declined to take part.
Moments after the impeachment, the House was notified of a message from the Governor requesting the confirmation of Prince Eze Madumere, his Chief of Staff as substantive Deputy Governor. The House however stood down proceedings and retreated briefly to deliberate on the matter before they appeared later to confirm the Mbieri, Mbaitolu LGA born politician the second in-command in Government hierarchy in Imo State.
Meanwhile, Mr Uche Nwosu, the Commissioner of Lands and Housing has been tipped to be Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Chief of Staff.
Nwosu is Okorocha’s in-law, having wedded one of the governor’s daughters. His appointment as Chief of Staff is in line with Okorocha’s unspoken policy of the governor to surround himself with his loyalists and protégés.
