Abia Assembly Crisis: We impeached Speaker Orji over embezzlement, high-handedness, abuse of office – Deputy Speaker
*His comedy with 7 members cannot stand against decision of majority 16 members
The Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman, Publicity and Media, Ifeanyi Uchendu, says the impeachment of the former Speaker of the 7th Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, over misconduct, high-handedness, embezzlement among others was done within the ambit of the law and stands
Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, the State Capital, Rt. Hon. Uchendu, revealed that the members that impeached the ‘former’ Speaker sat on Government property, and impeached him, adding that he has ran the House like his own personal business which necessitated the impeachment.
He noted that as lawmakers who should be the mouthpiece of the people, they are supposed to sit at least for 180 days in a year, informing that they didn’t meet the stipulated number of days according to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
Uchendu further informed that Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji has sidetracked all due to members, and has refused to listen or have an interface with them on how to resolve the multiplicity of problems which he caused in the House.
Speaking on why they have taken time to impeach him, Uchendu said they have been gathering signatures as well as reaching out to him for the pendulum to be changed, but all was to no avail.
He insisted that they acted in accordance with the constitution, stating that the constitution said such action must be carried out in any government premises with majority of members.
Reacting to the suspension of the 16 House Assembly members that impeached Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, Rt. Hon. Uchendu, revealed that the 16 members formed a quorum and met the provisions of the constitution bothering on impeachment of the Speaker, describing the later sitting of the House presided over by Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji as drama/comedy that is expected of a drowning man as they were not armed by the law to do so.
Insisting that the member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo is the new Speaker of the House.
He said before now, he had reached out to the Speaker as his brother and colleague, through calls and text messages all to no avail, stating that the Speaker is still owing him security votes.
He insisted that nothing can be done to help Engr. Chinedum Orji as his impeachment was done by the majority of members with the necessary instruments of Office in tandem with the provisions of the Constitution.
