Following the alleged inability of the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ben Uwajumogu, to effectively pilot the Assembly and create the needed decorum and conducive environment for proper legislative activities, aggrieved lawmakers are reported to have commenced plans to impeach the Speaker.
The plot gained momentum as the special session scheduled to hold this week failed after three attempts. Irked by the manner the Ihitte Uboma representative is running the affairs of the House which has affected the integrity of members, their welfare and that of workers who have turned to perpetual complaints over the indifferent attitude adopted by the present government towards their plight, the members who have divided into three groups are now plotting to sack Uwajumogu and get a replacement.
The members of the House have been experiencing turmoil over the intention of the Executive to arm – twist them into certain unethical legislative practice unknown in the history of the State legislature. Fresh offensive against Speaker Uwjumogu began when he allegedly divided the rank of the members in a recent move aimed at respecting the interest of the Executive arm. The bubble busted when one of the members Hon Ikenna Emeh representing Isu State Constituency went to see the Speaker and noticed that the heavily built lawmaker was having a crucial meeting with some of the members believed to be his loyalists, comprising the likes of Ikechukwu Amuka (Ideato South), Obinna Okwara (Nkwerre), Ugonna Ozuruigbo (Nwangele) and Stan Dara (Orsu). At the end of the meeting at the Speaker’s House, last Wednesday, they moved to the Government House while Emeh reportedly accused the Speaker of adopting divide and rule tactics in piloting the affairs of the House and informed Governor Okorocha that the Uwajumogu loyalists are not capable of doing his bid without the support of all the members irrespective of party platform. At that point, the Governor was said to have expressed reservations about the ability of the Speaker leading the members before asking Uwajumoju to retreat and put his house in order. Emeh who bolted out of the meeting in annoyance was said to have told them point bank that any illegal and unconstitutional legislative action cannot operate in Imo Assembly due to the overstretched divide and rule approach adopted by the Speaker.
This development has further exposed the incompetence of Uwajumogu with the formation of groups and factions plotting for his removal. While the PDP members consisting of the ranking members are said to be uncomfortable with the Speaker’s recent actions, the likes of Dr Obioma Ekennia (Ezinihitte) Celestine Ngaobiiwu (Obowo), Minority Leader Ngozi Pat – Ekeji (Aboh), Simeon Iwunze (Isiala Mbano), Sam Daddy Anyanwu (Ikeduru) and Emeh are concerned about the integrity of the members and bringing respect to the House. Other marginalized members of the APGA stock who are kept in the dark over the latest development are said to have met to perfect strategies towards shoving Uwajumogu in the new arrangement. The group said to be propelled by some powerful forces (names with held) is projecting the member representing Okigwe zone, Acho Ihim, for the number three position in the State.
Their grouse is that Uwajumogu has entrusted much confidence and concern to his loyalists to the detriment of others, hence the decision to change guard at the top. Though Ihim is said to be unpopular but he was tipped ahead Iwunze since he joined APGA the majority party in the House.
