The Imo State House of Assembly on Thursday suspended six lawmakers for alleged unparliamentary conduct.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem (APC Onuimo) who made the announcement at the plenary session of the House said the decision was taken at the executive session.
“Some members have been conducting themselves in an unparliamentary manner thereby bringing the house to ridicule. “We have thoroughly examined this issue at the executive session of the house and have resolved that peace and order must continue to reign.
“The executive session has therefore recommended the suspension of the members who have engaged in different misconduct.
“This action is in line with ensuring that the image of the house remains as it should be his while providing a functional environment and the synergy which we are required to provide to ensure all arms of government work together,” he said.
The suspended members were, Hon. Kennedy Ibeh (APC Obowo), Hon. Philip Ejiiogu (PDP Owerri North), Hon. Uche Ogbuagu (APC Ikeduru) , Hon. Dominic Ezerioha (APC Oru west), Hon. Anyadike Nwosu (PDP Ezinihitte Mbaise) and Hon. Onyemaechi Njoku (APC Ihitte Uboma).
Emeziem also announced the change in the office of the Chief Whip from Hon. Arthur Egwim (APC Ideato North) to Hon. Obinna Okwarra (APC Nkwerre).
He also announced that all standing committees of the House have been dissolved.
News Echo reports that the suspended members objected against the suspension describing it as illegal and undemocratic adding that they will continue to attend plenary.
News Echo also reports that there was uproar as the representative of Ihitte Uboma, Onyemaechi Njoku tried to engage the speaker in a fight in protest. This resulted in sporadic gunshots by security agents while the speaker was whisked away by his security details.
Njoku (APC Ihitte Uboma) a member of the dissolved Ethics, Privileges and Information Committee said their alleged misconduct was never brought to the committee. Njoku told house Correspondents that he will continue to attend plenary sessions as his suspension is invalid and undemocratic.
Similarly, Arthur Egwim (APC Ideato North) added that the speaker did not follow the proper procedure in removing him as chief whip. He stated that there were valid grounds for his removal as no petition was brought against him and no existing case of proven misconduct.
Uche Ogbuagu (APC Ikeduru) maintained that no Executive session was held as the members had been waiting for the speaker to announce the venue for the executive session. Ogbuagu added that he was surprised at the alleged unparliamentary conduct as he had just attended his first sitting since the resumption of the house.
