A Socio-political Group called Imo Elders for Equity and Justice, IEEJ, has called on Imo State Governor, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha to look into the issue of the position of the Speaker of Imo House of Assembly which has been generated tension in the State.
Speaking to Newsmen in Owerri yesterday, Chief Ejiogu Nwachukwu said that IEEJ wishes to let the three political zones of Imo State know that even though not written down in any paper, it is agreed that the offices of Governor, Deputy and Speaker of the House of Assembly must not go to one political zone at the same time and period, adding that even though he is from Owerri North LGA in Owerri zone, it is clear that the position of the Speaker is entitled to Okigwe zone.
“The Governor, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha is from Owerri zone, his Deputy is from Orlu zone, therefore the position of Speaker is that of Okigwe zone” he said.
The Elder Statesman who is a retired principal maintained that among the Lawmakers from Okigwe zone, one should be chosen to be the Speaker.
He said that he is aware that his brother, the Governor, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha may be apprehensive and uncomfortable with the Lawmakers from Okigwe zone because they are all from Action Alliance and All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA who are opposition political parties.
He however said that Hon Kennedy Ibeh, the member from Obowo constituency fits the bill because all the qualities that make a Speaker is around him.
“That youngman Ibeh can make a good Speaker. He is young, intelligent, bright and very quiet looking and is said to be fiercely loyal to any course he is committed to” he said.
Chief Nwachukwu who said he has neither met Ibeh one on one before nor is IEEJ speaking for him however said that his concern is that fellow that would be the Speaker and there will be peace and cordial relationship between the legislature and Executive.
“From our study, Ibeh is the best among the others. He is a two term member and from how he corrected the Clerk of the House on the chamber when he (clerk) wanted to conduct both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s elections at the same time, a few days ago, I discovered that that young man is an asset. Since he is from Okigwe zone, let he be used to settle this matter” the Chief told Newsmen.
