Chukwudi Apugo


Barely a month to it's exit, leadership crisis has erupted in the Abia State House of Assembly, as an 18-member faction claims they have removed the Speaker, Rt. Hon.  Chinedum Orji.


Dailyledger.com.ng reports that the Speaker and some members loyal to him still have control of the Assembly complex


A video of the impeachment proceedings trending online showed that  the impeachment of Hon.  Orji was carried out outside the Abia State House of  Assembly complex, though with the mace on a makeshift Speakers dais during the proceedings presided over by Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu

 

In the motion for the impeachment of the Speaker, Hon Kennedy Njoku, Osisioma North State alleged that Hon Orji was insensitive to welfare of members culminating in gross misconduct.


The  impeachment motion was seconded by Hon Chijioke Chukwu, Bende North. And members present voted overwhelmingly in support.


In a motion for the election of  a new Speaker, Hon Thomas Nkoro, Obingwa West, moved for Hon Chukwudi Apugo, Umuahia East State Constituency to be elected as the new speaker of the House. The motion was supported by Hon Okey Igwe, Umunneochi State Constituency 


Dailyledger.com.ng gathered that the unexpected leadership crisis in the House might not be unconnected with the politics of selecting the leadership of the next Assembly.


The PDP which is currently on control of the House has a simple majority of 11 members in the 24-member House, but the LP which produced the governor-elect has 10 members, while YPP and APC respectively has 2 and I members.


The Standing Rule of the House provides that an intending member must be a two-term member


As at the time of going to press Hon. Orji is yet to issue a statement on the development.