Last week, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Benjamin Njemanze inaugurated the 7 man Committee charged to unravel the allegation of N458 scam slammed on the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.
This is coming on the heels of a similar Committee constituted by the House of Assembly, which has since given its verdict against the Deputy Governor. The Committee is headed by Hon Simeon Iwunze, from Isiala Mbano State Constituency.
Already, 26 members of the House of Assembly have appended their signatures which ignited the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor.
These are all procedures, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, which must be followed to remove a Chief Executive, apart from an election.
Therefore, looking at the whole scenario as it concerns the fate of Imo Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, the hand of Justice here is grinding slowly, but consistently approaching the constitutional end of the whole saga.
The move began from the (Legislature) House of Assembly and moved to the Judiciary, which led the Chief Judge of the state to inaugurate this Committee.
However, the confusion pervading the state now is why the state Judge inaugurated the Committee while the matter is still before the court.
The reason is that impeachment of a Deputy Governor is a constitutional matter in Nigeria, and therefore cannot be stopped by any court, since the constitution is higher and above any other Act of Parliament or Law in the Federation.
In this circumstance, the removal of the Deputy Governor of Imo state looks like a fait acompli, since both the Legislature and Judiciary have tacitly endorsed the process.
Therefore, looking at the future, what should the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha do for the best interest of his political expediency, and happiness of Imo state?
Okorocha, in the spirit of equity, should compensate the political area that produced Jude Agbaso by limiting the search of his successor within that given area.
Okorocha should not again plunge Imo state into the ugly scenario that has pervaded the state since the Jude Agbaso impeachment broke out, by avoiding appointing his close friends into the office.
He should be his own man this time by making a choice of a person he feels that would be amenable to his person and policies not necessarily most of the names circulating around, as over familiarity breeds contempt.
The fellow could be from any political party, or even apolitical, provided it is a choice that will propel the engine of governance into steaming again.
Men and women of sterling characters are in legions in Owerri North LGA, and this will assuage the area, and give them sense of belonging.
Okorocha should for once exhibit statesmanship by looking beyond petty politics and personal gains, but that which will bring peace to Imo.
This is the final opportunity to “Rescue” his administration from crisis, and avoid more problems by choosing a neutral personality, for Imo State to breathe a fresh air.
Letter
N458 Million Contract Scam and Jude Agbaso
The issue of N458 million bribery scam involving Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso and a contractor, handling some signature road contract, Mr. Joseph Dina, has been an issue of public discuss for sometime now. A company known as JPross Construction Limited engaged by the state government to construct some roads in the state, accused Jude Agbaso of collecting N458m as kick back from him with the promise of getting more road contracts in the state. However, the Imo House of Assembly, IMHA as part of its oversight functions, inaugurated a committee to look into the remote causes/abandonment of signature roads in the state. The committee was led by Hon Simeon Iwunze, member representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency in IMHA. During the committee’s investigations, Jude Agbaso was invited for questioning. This is because, he was the Commissioner for Works during the awarding and negotiation of signature roads to JPross. However, it is factual to state that Sir Jude Agbaso failed to defend himself during his interrogation by the committee. He had an opportunity to prove his innocence, but never utilized it. According to the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, he affirmed that the deputy governor failed to show up on two occasions but later re-surfaced on the third day of his invitation. In the presence of everyone involved in the said probe, including the contractor, Joseph Dina, Jude Agbaso approbated and reprobated. He spoke from both side of his mouth. The deputy governor answered questions from the committee like one still sucking his mother’s breasts. Rather than defending himself, he allowed tension and fear to overcome him. At the end of the day, he fell into the hands of his enemies. Hence, should face the consequences.
However, I also advise that diplomacy and maturity should prevail in unraveling the true situation of the matter.
Bright Eluagu
Imo Trumpeta Newspaper – 07062573396
