By Onyekachi Eze
More revelations trailing the impeachment of the Imo State Deputy Governor, are unfolding, as the embattled Prince Eze Madumere has likened the action of the lawmakers to the alleged oath-taking and bribery saga which the members of the Imo State House of Assembly have been accused of.
Recall that the leadership of the Imo Assembly, led by Rt Hon Acho Ihim, with other 19 lawmakers in a motion moved by the Majority leader, Lugard Osuji impeached Madumere earlier last week, over what they termed, “Gross Misconduct”.
The action of the lawmakers which the Owerri branch of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA described as “a legislative rascality”, according to the embattled Madumere, is traceable to ignominious activities on the part of the House members before he was impeached. The view of Madumere that the lawmakers may have indulged in illicit act of bribery and oath-taking was revealed through a press release made available to the public by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Uche Onwuchekwa.
According to the release, “ I must say that I most proud of our brother lawmakers from Oru East and Oru West local government areas, Hon Nkenna Nzeruo, and Donatus Onuigwe who are also suffering today for rejecting their bribe; saying no to blood oath taking, and for refusing to join in the impunity”.
Eulogizing the masses, he opined that the support he received so far is mouth watering from both Imolites and Nigeria in generally, especially for speaking out against intimidation, injustice and illegality.
Describing the actions of the Imo State Assembly as “an unfortunate incident of ill-fated actions”, Madumere told on the assumptions of even the opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP caucus, that earlier attributed the act to oath taking and bribe inducement.
The Mbaitoli born guber aspirant reiterated his resolve to continue to stand for justice, equity and fair play.
He enjoined the public on the need to always fight for a just course since Imo State does not belong to one man and family.
“Rise up and fight for your right. Do not allow anyone to usurp your freedom of expression, association and freedom to aspire to be whatever you wish to be. We must fight for equity, fair play and justice. It is only when we have these ingredients in our society that we can make the needed progress”, Madumere said.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the Imo State House of Assembly member representing Oru East, Hon Nkenna Nzeruo opened up on likely reasons behind his suspension, which borders on his supposed refusal to partake in an oath taking exercise conducted at far away Elele in River State.
Other suspended lawmakers from Oru West Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, and Isiala Mbano also accused their fate of having learning to their refusal to indulge in some acts believed to be against their religion and faith.
