The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon.Acho Ihim, has over ruled his colleagues by rescinding the decision of his colleagues to suspend the Clerk of the House, Chris Duru
He said he over ruled a motion for the suspension of the Clerk of the House.
This marks a major twist in the crisis that has rocked the Imo State House Assembly since the House members failed to show up for the presentation of the 2018 Budget.
24 members of the House had okayed the suspension of the Clerk after a motion was moved on the floor of the House by the Majority Leader, Hon Lugard Osuji.
Reports had said the Speaker’s action forced the lawmakers to stage a walk out to protest the Speaker’s action thus feuling rumours of an imminent impeachment of the Speaker.
Despite attempts by some members to play down the rift, the Speaker’s media aide, Marcel Echezuo in a surprise move issued a statement titled “On The Alleged Suspension of The Clerk” saying the Clerk was not suspended.
Mr. Ekwezuo explained that the reality of the matter is that a motion for the suspension of the Clerk was moved by Majority leader of the House, member representing Owerri Municipal state constituency, Honourable Lugard Osuji.
“Sequel to the motion which alleged under performance and non compliance to certain laid down rules and procedures of the house in the discharge of his duties as basis for the motion, a – 5 man Committee led by Honourable Kennedy Ibeh, member representing Obowo state constituency was set up to investigate activities of the Clerk beginning from 2011 till date to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the allegation against Mr. Chris Duru’
According to the Chief Press Secretary, the committee have one week to submit its report to the House.
This marks a u turn in the imbroglio after the House had announced that the Clerk has been suspended.