BREAKING: IMO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER REMOVED, EMEZIEM ELECTED NEW SPEAKER

Reporter : CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Collins Chiji, has been impeached. 

This followed the emergency sitting of the house presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Chyna Iwuanyanwu, where nineteen of the twenty-seven members supported the motion for the impeachment as moved by member representing Orsu Constituency, Mr. Ekene Nnodumele, and they subsequently removed the Speaker. 

The impeached Speaker, who represents Isiala Mbano Constituency, was accused of financial impropriety, high handedness and gross misconduct. 

The member representing Onuimo Constituency, Chief Paul Emeziem, was thereafter elected as the new Speaker and sworn in by Clerk of the House, Mrs. Chinelo Emeghara.

Radio Nigeria observed that the plenary was held amidst tight security. 

The lawmakers immediately after the sitting proceeded to Government House, Owerri where they presented the new Speaker to Governor Hope Uzodinma. 

Meanwhile the impeached Speaker, who was sighted alongside other lawmakers during the courtesy visit, did not comment on his removal.