Delta speaker, majority leader impeached

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya (Sapele Constituency), has been impeached for alleged incompetence, highhandedness and unacceptable leadership style.

Igbuya was removed yesterday and a new Speaker, Sheriff Oboriowori (PDP, Okpe Constituency), elected.

During the plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Friday Osanebi, the Majority Leader of the house, Tim Owhefere (PDP, Isoko North Constituency), was also removed and replaced by Johnson Erijo (PDP, Isoko South II).

The motion for the removal of the speaker was moved by Johnson Erijo, who noted that it was

There is uneasy calm in Umuahia and other major cities ahead of tomorrow’s judgement by the Supreme Court on the Abia State governorship.

a matter of urgent attention.

Erijo said the removal became necessary following the alleged “incompetence” of the former speaker.

He said for the house to move forward, a new speaker was needed, adding that the legislature was key to the growth of democracy and development in Delta State.

The motion was seconded by Peter Onwusanya (PDP, Oshimili South) and was unanimously adopted by the house.

It was at that point that the deputy speaker called for nomination of a new speaker.

In his acceptance speech, the new speaker promised to adhere strictly to the rules of the house. He said as one among equals, he would accord every member his due respect. The case was filed by Uche Ogah who is accusing Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of allegedly submitting false tax information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Immediately after his election, Oboriowori announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the house.

Onwusanya then rose once again and called for the removal of Owhefere as majority leader and nominated Erijo as his replacement, a move that was seconded by Peter Uviejitobor (PDP, Udu Constituency).

Shortly after he was elected, Erijo as the new majority leader, called for the suspension of the impeached speaker for three months and was seconded by Eric Oharisi (PDP, Ughelli North II). The decision was unanimously accepted by the house.

There was jubilation by assembly workers and legislative aides outside the chambers as the drama unfolded.