Follow Us on Google
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has removed the Executive Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area, Hon Michael Ibe Nwoke, and replaced him with Mrs Uloma Nwogu, his deputy, who has subsequently been sworn in.
Nwoke faulted the process of his removal and said he would consult his lawyers after which he would be heading to the court to challenge the governor’s action.
Last week, it was alleged that Councillors of the Council were making moves to impeach the former chairman, but that failed.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House Umuahia, Ikpeazu said he was in receipt of a letter dated May 23, 2022, written by the former Executive Chairman of Obingwa LGA Hon Nwoke entitled: “Resignation of my party membership”.
The Governor stated that in consonance with the Laws guiding the Abia State Local Government System, the consequence is that Nwoke breached the provisions of Section 23, Sub -section 1(f) of the Abia State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2006.
The governor said that the law makes it imperative for a new chairman to be sworn in to take over the reins of power at Obingwa Local Government.
He said the event marks a milestone in the development of the local government system, noting that his administration was the only one that conducted local government elections two consecutive times within his tenure.
He congratulated the new chairman and enjoined her to protect the interest of Obingwa and Abia State by always putting to the fire, the interest of women and youths.
Governor Ikpeazu further advised her to leave legacies, as her stewardship will open more doors for women in politics and administration.
The new chairman, Mrs Nwogu, thanked the governor for finding her worthy to serve and promised not to disappoint him and the state.
The oaths of office and allegiance were administered to the new chairman by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne.
The removed counsel chairman in a telephone chat with Daily Sun immediately after his removal, said the proper question everyone should ask is whether it is the proper thing for the governor to remove an elected chairman.
He said he was not bothered about the whole thing as he is facing squarely his pursuit to go to the House of Representatives on the platform of the Young People’s Party (YPP).
Nwoko said after speaking with his lawyers, he would head to the court to seek an interpretation of how an elected chairman will be removed from office for defecting to another party.
