By Baron Ike
A fresh plot to consummate the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere has resurfaced in the State House of Assembly.
The leadership of the House under Acho Ihim, has taken steps towards realising the impeachment project by suspending four lawmakers suspected to be loyal to the Deputy Governor for frivolous reason.
Ihim is hoping to replace Madumere if the deal is done.
The plot had failed before but the masterminds are not in any way relenting.
Four lawmakers believed to be loyal to Madumere who were suspended on Thursday are: Uche Oguike representing Ikeduru State constituency, Ifeanyi Nnataraonye representing Imo Deputy Governor’s local government, Mbaitoli, Nzeruo John Nkenna of Oru East and Chiji Collins representing Isiala Mbano Constituency.
The four are believed to be proving difficult on the project impeach deputy governor in line with the directive of Governor Rochas Okorocha.
A motion raised on the floor of the Assembly on Thursday with the title: “Motion for Investigation of un-parliamentary Conduct of Four House members”, reads: “…Whereas a number of members of Imo State House of Assembly have continual unabated to conduct themselves in ways and manner capable of eroding the co-operate image and sanity of Imo parliament and the State.
“Be it resolved by this House that Hon. Chiji Collins, Hon. Uche Oguwike, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnataronye and Hon. Nkenna Nzeruo by (sic) immediately subjected to the disciplinary and ethic Committee of this Honourable House.
“Be it further resolved that 4(four) Honourable members be forthwith suspended till the report of the said Committee is received and resolved by this house.”
The motion suspending the lawmakers did not state clearly what their offences are, thereby making the intention more suspicious and amazing.
However, an impeccable source revealed that the suspension of the four lawmakers is in concert with the directive of Governor Okorocha with a view to paving way for impeachment proceeding against the Madumere as the suspended members are perceived to be stumbling block to the realization of him impeachment plot.
One of the affected lawmakers, Ifeanyi Nnataraonye said: “I am yet to know what our offences are. The suspension motion is a mere camouflage to the real issue, which our presence may have been serving as a hindrance to the quest in concluding their plot against the Deputy Governor who is standing against foisting of Okorocha’s son-in-law, Mr. Uche Nwosu on Imo people.”
Apart from the impeachment agenda, our source also revealed that what is happening in Imo State House of Assembly is one of the numerous options lined up to oust Okorocha’s Deputy since they differed politically.
Regardless, a bigger stumbling block is the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Paschal Nnadi, who is also said to be averse to the impeachment of Madumere relying on cooked up official and constitutional breaches.
Our source further revealed that the Chief Judge is living in fear.
Those fingered in the impeachment plot are Governor Okorocha and wife, Governor’s son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, Lugard Osuji, Obinna Mbata who is working in concert with Chike Okafor and the Speaker of Imo Assembly, Ihim.
Recently, Governor Okorocha set up a reconciliation committee headed by one Mcdonald Akano but the suspension of four lawmakers who are said to be innocent has posed more concern to party faithful as to the intention.
There is palpable fear in the State following the activation of Governor’s thugs and hooligans who harass, intimidate, assault and batter the people of State on daily basis including political calls made to those who are opposed to governor’s insistence to foisting son-in-law on Imo people.