Impeachment Haunts Political Bigwigs Ahead Of 2019 Polls
More political stalwarts may catch a cold if the 2019 elections continue to blow a gale of impeachments across the landscape.
While some are already sniffing hard, others have simply succumbed to the weather’s intrigues.
Yesterday, 19 of 27 lawmakers impeached Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere over alleged misconduct, replacing him with Head of Service Callistus Ekenze.
The action defied a July 30 ruling by Justice Ben Iheka of the state High Court, which restrained the legislators and the Chief Judge, Paschal Nnadi, from proceeding with the impeachment, pending hearing and determination of the matter.
Madumere had enjoined a good working relationship with Governor Rochas Okorocha. But things turned sour after he decided to succeed his principal.
Okorocha is backing his brother-in-law and Chief of Staff, Chuks Ololo, as next governor.
Also, political intrigues in Benue State took a dramatic twist yesterday as eight members of the 30-strong House of Assembly declared they would begin moves to impeach Governor Samuel Ortom.
The governor last week defected from the APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Terkimbi Ikyange, Speaker until he was impeached last week, told reporters in Makurdi that a notice would be served on Ortom “within seven days”.
He had rejected his own impeachment, describing it as “an act of illegality”.
He argued that it did not follow due process because the lawmakers sat while the House was on recess.
Chief Judge of Benue State, Adam Onum, last week, restrained Ikyange from parading himself as Speaker, pending the determination of a suit filed by some lawmakers.
