Tension, confusion in Abia over impeachment of Speaker

The impeachment of Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji has stir tension in the state with serious confusion over the purported impeachment.

Orji was purportedly impeached on Tuesday morning during a session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Ifeanyi Uchendu, in a yet-to be verified location in Umuahia the state capital.

According to a viral video, Orji was removed following allegations of insensitivity over the welfare of the lawmakers.

The motion for his impeachment was moved by the member representing Osisioma Ngwa North state constituency, Kennedy Njoku, and seconded by Chijioke Chukwu representing Bende North State constituency.

After the motion was moved and seconded, the Deputy Speaker who presided over the proceeding called for a voice vote to know if the lawmakers were in support of the motion, and they all chorused ” yee” in affirmation.

The presiding officer hit the gavel and declared that the former Speaker had been impeached.

Thereafter, the member representing Obingwa West state constituency, Thomas Nkopro, nominated Chukwudi Apugo representing Umuahia East state constituency ,as the new Speaker.

The nomination was seconded by Okey Igwe representing Umunneochi state constituency.

Apugo was elected by the lawmakers, and sworn in at once.

Njoku had, after his motion for the removal of the former Speaker was seconded, reeled out names of other lawmakers he said had signed up for the impeachment of the ex-Speaker.