Except for divine intervention, the seeming cold war raging among members of the Imo State House of Assembly is expected to advance into full blown confrontation this week as the state lawmakers jettison their sit-at-home posture and resume plenary session.
It would be recalled that following certain differences bothering on welfare packages and relationship between the state legislature and executive, some aggrieved lawmakers boycotted plenary sessions last week to express their grievances.
As the members plan return to the chambers on resumption of legislative activities, the need to remove erring lawmakers and those believed to be fifth columnists in the fold is at the front burner of deliberations.
Imo Trumpeta learnt instead of attending plenary, the aggrieved lawmakers abandoned the Assembly complex and decided to be meeting in one popular hotel in town (names withheld) not only learnt their woes but also seek a solution to the quagmire.
Trouble started in Imo House of Assembly when members complained of non extension of “Dividends of Democracy” and ‘proper care’ to the present lawmakers. The lawmakers noted that contrary to what was obtained in the past, their welfare and other benefits are not in tandem with their status as elected public office holders. The Speaker, Rt. Hon Ben Uwajimogu tried in vain to assuage his colleagues before they opted to meet the Governor.
During the meeting with the Governor which took place last week, it was gathered that Owelle Rochas Okorocha denied showing indifference attitude to their plight and welfare, adding that he provides the necessary logistics to ensure they are comfortable. The State Governor noted that he has adequately funded the lawmakers and State Assembly and expects no complain. At that point, the lawmakers retreated and decided to look in wards for the oppressors and three persons have been identified.
Apparently aware of the activities of the fifth columnists, the aggrieved lawmakers are set to sanction them for certain dishonourable acts.
One of the affected persons and member representing Ideato South, Hon Ikechukwu Amuka is risking suspension if under cover plottings are anything to go by. Amuka is accused of illegally using his contacts with the Governor who he represents to personally get favours from certain influential persons, and groups. The Ideato South member was further accused of undermining the oversight functions of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs headed by Hon Celestine Ngaobiwu. Instead of handling affairs of his works committee, were he operates as the committee chairman, Amuka allegedly interferes with the activities of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs where he meddles in the Ngaobiwu Committee. This stance has prompted the members to issue directives to every member to concentrate on his/her committee than juxtapose or interfere with the affairs of others.
Another victim that may likely face the aggrieved lawmaker’s onslaught is speaker Uwajimogu. Though, the speaker commands respect among his colleagues, but his inability to provide necessary and protect the interest of all members than his caucus is given the state lawmakers cause to worry. The Speaker including other principal officers may be shoved aside to create harmony in the State Assembly.
As at the time of filing this report, the members are still meeting to fine-tune strategies on ways of settling the bickering.
