It was long in coming and when it finally came, it had a dose of drama to it. As early as 6.30 am on Thursday, the 22 members of the state Assembly had gathered secretly inside the House to execute the plot. It was a carefully planned plot with last minute meetings perfected the previous night in Asaba. They called a few legislative staff to report to office that early hour including the clerk of the Assembly .
It was gathered that those called were willing staff who were part of the aggrieved staff of the Assembly undone by what inside sources called the arrogance, high-handedness and unwholesome nepotism being exhibited by the impeached speaker, Mr. Monday Igbuya.
Inside sources said as soon as the 22 lawmakers had gathered inside the Assembly, they locked the gate and perfectly executed the well-planned plot. He was quickly removed together with the Majority leader, Hon Tim Owhefere. Igbuya was subsequently suspended for three months while Owhefere was suspended indefinitely.
The lawmaker representing Okpe constituency, Sheriff Oborevwori, was elected as the new speaker.
22 members signed the impeachment notice. Six members’ and the Speaker’s signatures were missing on the list. The House quickly adjourned till May 23 apparently to kill of any pressure from outsiders and lobbyists.
Investigations by Political Economist showed that staff of the State Assembly were in joyous mood. They discussed the matter in hushed tones but it was not difficult to glean off their joy over the development.
“We saw this coming. Igbuya has not helped matters. Some members had been complaining that he was not transparent in his dealings with members. He was said to have blocked the members from accessing Governor Okowa; he also showed nepotism in his appointment of key staff. He was fond of favouring his own people even when they were not qualified for the job”, a staff confided in our reporter.
Those who impeached the Speaker were : Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi (Ndokwa East); Rt. Hon. Paul Onwusanya (Oshimili South); Hon. Barr. (Princess) Evangelist Pat. Ajudua (Oshimili North); Hon. Angela Nwaka (Aniocha South); Hon (Engr.) Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North); Hon. Azuka Azaka (Ndokwa West); Hon. Alphonsus Ojo (Ukwuani); Festus Okoh (Ika South); Anthony Elekeokwuri (Ika North); Micheal Diden (Warri North); Daniel Mayuku (Warri South-West);
Others are, Sheriff Oborevwori (Okpe); Johnson Erijo (Isoko South 2); Hon. (Engr.) Preyor Oboro (Bomadi); Hon. Daniel Yingi (Burutu 1); Hon. Tim Owhefere (Isoko North); Hon. (Prince) Eric Oharisi (Ughelli North 2); Hon. Efe Ofebruku (Uvwie); Hon. Evance Ivwurie (Ethiope East); Hon. Peter Uvejitobor (Udu); Hon. Daubry Kennedy (Burutu 2).
Photo: Igbuya; middle: the members after the impeachment; bottom: list of the members who signed his impeachment..
