Impeachment Saga: Agbobore Distance Ughelli North Legislative Arm From Purported Impeachment
*Says the Leader, Ajero is not impeached, passed confidence vote in him
•••Confirmed Mace snatch by hoodlums
By Matthias Ogbagah & Rejoice Ighoviroro
UGHELLI – The Majority Leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm, Hon. Ese Agbobore has distance the Legislative Arm of the council from the purported impeachment of the leader of Ughelli North Legislative Arm, Hon. Ajero Okeoghene Prosper urged the public to disregard the publication.
Hon. Agbobore member representing Oteri-Ughelli and Otor-Iwhreko Wards given a detailed account of what transpired the led to chaos during the Council’s plenary session.
Speaking with members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ughelli correspondents chapel, he explained that the House resumed from its December recess and proceedings were initially peaceful until an unexpected disruption.
While dismissing the purported impeachment of the leader of the House, he said, the plenary session was going on peacefully until a member stood up to raise a motion not align with the legislative procedures and he was asked to sit down.
His words: “He stood up to raise a motion, but as Majority Leader, I observed him. The motion was not seconded, and he later admitted that due process was not followed.
“Shortly after this observation the situation reportedly escalated beyond normal legislative disagreement before we knew it, hoodlums gain entering into the legislative chamber. They were wearing different colours of clothes.
“I immediately picked up my phone to contact the DSS Director and the Area Commander to brief them on what was happening,” he disclosed.
Lamenting further, he said, the hoodlums forcefully carted away the Mace, the symbol of legislative authority of the council.
“These hoodlums took the symbol of authority of the Legislative House of Ughelli North council (Mace) into a Hilux stationed at the council’s gate and drove away with it.
“As I speak to you, we do not know who they are or where the Mace is taken to, we have officially written to the Clerk of the House, the Area Commander, and the DSS to inform the public to disregard any information suggesting that the Leader of the House was impeached. That information is false.
“This is a legislative setting, not a motor park. You don’t just wake up and remove a leader. For impeachment to occur, a motion must be properly raised on the floor of the House and must be seconded, debated, and agreed upon by the House. None of these steps took place,” he explained.
Reacting to reports that 12 councillors allegedly signed an impeachment letter, the Majority Leader questioned the credibility of such claims.
“What we saw was only a photocopy of signatures. We did not hear directly from those members, and due process was never followed. Signatures alone do not amount to impeachment,” he maintained.
“As we speak, the Leader is comfortably in his office attending to the issues of his constituents. The Clerk of the House is here. The Sergeant-at-Arms is here. There has been no impeachment,” he affirmed.
“We are confident in the leadership of Rt. Hon. Prosper Okajero Kelly, the Leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm. For over one year, he has piloted the affairs of this House peacefully. We also enjoy a cordial working relationship with the Council Chairman, who prioritizes the welfare of councillors”.
Speaking further, he alleged that some persons within the council area believe there are huge funds in the council and want to instigate violence. However, I have spoken with some of my colleagues involved, and I believe all issues will be resolved amicably, he added.
While calling for calm and cooperation, Hon. Agbobore appealed to the public to assist security agencies in recovering the stolen mace.
“If anyone sees anybody moving around with the mace, they should immediately report to the Council Chairman or the police. That mace is the symbol of authority of this local government,” he urged.
He further reiterated the unity and confidence of the House in its leadership and its cordial relationship with the Executive Arm, adding that the House will reconvene tomorrow.
“By tomorrow we will reconvene, and you will see all of us sitting together as one family.”
