Imo Assembly suspends 3 lawmakers indefinitely

From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

IMO State House of As­sembly had a rowdy session yesterday, which almost de­generated into fracas among the lawmakers when the Speaker, Acho Ihim pro­nounced indefinite suspen­sion of three members for refusing to take their seats as instructed.

Trouble started when Lawman Duruji, represent­ing Ehime Mbano state con­stituency raised a motion of urgent importance on the floor of the House.

Speaker had overruled the motion and had insisted that Duruji take his seat.

But, Minority Leader, Obinna Egu (PDP, Ngor -Okpala) and Ngozi Obief­ule were both on their feet and insisted that Ihim must hear the motion and not rule Duruji out of order when the motion had not been heard. They banged on their tables, an action which dis­rupted the business of the day.

Angered by the conduct of the three members’ in­sistence, other lawmakers sprang to their feet in sup­port of the speaker, which resulted in shoving and pushing among the mem­bers.

When order was eventu­ally restored, Ihim imme­diately announced their in­definite suspension.

The speaker said the House had witnessed “clan­destine, unpatriotic and selfish meetings against the Imo State Government and the leadership of the House.

“I hereby reiterate the indefinite suspension of Ngozi Obiefule (Isu, APC), Obinna Egu ( Ngor-Okpala, PDP) and Lawman Duruji (Ehime Mbano, APC).

“Their return will be de­termined by the outcome of investigations to be carried out and the recommenda­tions of the investigating committee,” he said.