Court voids suspension of four Imo lawmakers, restores seats

AN Owerri High Court, presided over by Justice Goddy Anunihu, yesterday invalidated the suspension of four Imo State House of Assembly members.

Those involved are Dr. Uche Oguwuike (Ikeduru APC), Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano APC), Israel Nnataraonye (Mbaitoli) and Nkenna Nzeruo. They were suspended on June 27, 2018 for alleged “uncomplimentary conduct.”

The court also directed the Speaker and the House to pay the affected lawmakers their salaries, emoluments and allowances within the period they were suspended.

Justice Anunihu ruled that the affected persons’ sanctions were vague, saying that the applicants were not allowed to clear their allegations.

The judge, who stated that the House should have allowed the matter to be deferred before the suspension, ruled that the suspension of the lawmakers was in violation of their rights to fair hearing. Meanwhile, N8 million as damages and N100,000 as legal fees were awarded accordingly.