Imo Assembly Impeaches Deputy Governor, Okorocha Picks Callistus Ekenze As Replacement

There was high level security presence in and out of the Imo State House of Assembly complex as Assembly members on Monday evening impeached Deputy governor, Eze Madumere.

The development was sequel to an order of the state high court on Monday which restrained the lawmakers and the state chief Judge, Paschal Nnadi, of any further action on the impeachment proceedings against the embattled deputy governor until the matter was decided by the court.

Journalists and visitors were barred from accessing the legislative chambers as the lawmakers impeached Eze Madumere.

The impeachment motion was moved by majority leader, Lugard Osuji, who represents Owerri Municipal; and seconded by Victor Onyewuchi, representing Owerri West LGA.

He was impeached on Monday by 19 out of the 27 member-assembly.

The Speaker of the House, Acho Ihim, said the impeachment followed the outcome of a report of a 7-man panel, constituted by the Chief Judge of the state to investigate allegations of gross misconduct.

The allegations were premised on four reasons which included his absence without reasons for a period of three months and a failure to perform constitutional duties like attending state executive and state security council meetings.

Others included his alleged failure to attend meetings with the governor and other government functionaries as well as an alleged concealment of felonious acts in the United States.

Meanwhile, Mr Callistus Ekenze, who was until this morning the Head of Service in the state has been nominated by the governor as the new deputy.

The Speaker read out the nomination letter on the floor of the house immediately after the impeachment.