…As Governor Ikpeazu swears in council’s Deputy Chairman
By Amaike Ihuoma Okoronkwo, Port Harcourt
Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has sworn in the former Deputy Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Council, Mrs. Uloma Nwogu, as the council’s Chairman following the defection of the former Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
The said event took place on Monday 4th of July, 2022 at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House Umuahia the State capital.
Performing the swearing in ceremony, Governor Ikpeazu disclosed that he was in receipt of a letter dated May 23, 2022 written by the former Executive Chairman of Obingwa L.G.A Hon. Ibe Nwoke entitled “Resignation of my party membership.”
The Governor said in consonance with laws guiding the Abia State Local Government System, the consequences remains that Hon. Nwoke breached the provisions of the Section 23, sub-section 1(f) of the Abia State Local Government Law No 2 of 2006, hence it gives provision for a new Chairman to be sworn in to take over the reins of power at Obingwa Local Government Council.
Having performed his functions, the Governor advised the newly sworn in Chairman, Mrs. Uloma Nwogu, to leave legacies as her stewardship will open more doors for women participation in politics and administration in the State.
Responding, the newly sworn in Chairman thanked the Governor and the party PDP for having found her worthy to serve the good people of Obingwa in that capacity.
In another development, Hon Ibe Michael Nwoke has alleged that his defection to the Young Progressive Party (YPP) was orchestrated by an attempt from the former Deputy Governor of Abia State Chief Barr. Eric Acho Nwakanma who compelled some councillors of Obingwa to sign under duress an impeachment letter for his exit.
Whereas his posters are in circulation and his new party celebrating his adventure to become a federal lawmaker for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency come 2023, Hon. Ibe Nwoke moved on to condemn in critical terms the actions of the former Deputy Governor, Chief Barr. Eric Acho Nwakanma.
“My office has uncovered plans by the former Deputy Governor of Abia State Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma to forge signatories of some councillors in my Local Government to impeach me as the Executive Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area. It is unfortunate that a man of his class will stoop so low in an attempt to cause mayhem in Obingwa just the same way he has succeeded in destroying PDP in Obingwa and Abia State at large.
“This is to bring to his notice that we are well aware of all his schemes which will fail before they are hatched. I also want to use this medium to call on the youths and the good people of Obingwa Local Government Area to remain calm as my office will do everything within her powers to protect the mandate of the people of our Local Government.”
Going by his reactions, variance has arisen from his alleged claims of forged impeachment and that of his resignation letter as quoted by Governor Ikpeazu.
He has also acknowledged the fact that his former Deputy has been sworn in as the new Local Government Chairman and has pledged to stand to seek redress in the courts.
“I, Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke, have received the news of the swearing in of my Deputy as the new Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area. We already had a court injunction which restrained my impeachment and added that if removal offense has been committed, the due process must be followed but it is surprising that despite not being impeached, a new Chairman was today sworn in by the State Government. We will consult our legal team for further actions. While we urge all our supporters in Obingwa to remain calm as we seek legal redress to this illegality.”
This is coming up barely one month the Obingwa chapter of the PDP is having another strong defection of supporters following the defection and resignation of Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and his team of supporters who had expressed dismay and discomfort with the party’s electoral process during the just concluded primaries.
Having denied him the gubernatorial ticket under the PDP, the entire people of Obingwa seems to have divided opinions in addition to this chairman’s defection to the YPP even as the Senator had become the Senatorial flag bearer of the APGA Abia South Senatorial District.