Despite the order of an Abuja Federal High Court which halted the impeachment process of Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, there are strong indications that top officials of the Rochas Okorocha Government are already setting their sights on the number two position.
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Several local newspapers in Owerri on Friday reported that the Speaker, Acho Ihim may replace the Deputy Governor while the House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon Lugard Osuji may be upgraded to the Speaker of the House.
Officials of the State Government are yet to disprove these insinuations which had circulated like wild fire in the city as at the time of filing this report.
However,a a source confirmed that indeed that there is ongoing fresh lobby for the number two position with a school of thought contending that the Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu should go for the Deputy Governor position in a bid to strengthen his 2019 governorship ambition.
But there are concerns that this may get some backlash considering the opposition to Nwosu’s ambition by those who feel it is not proper for the Governor to anoint his Chief of Staff and son in law as his successor.
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However, the name of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, George Eche has been widely reported to take over from Madumere in the event the Deputy Governor’s impeachment scale through at the Imo State House of Assembly.
13 lawmakers had petitioned the Speaker of the House alleging gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.
The House constituted a committee led by Hon. Kennedy Ibe, Member Representing Obowo State Constituency to look investigate the allegations. The Committee tendered its report after two days which prompted the Speaker, Acho Ihim to direct the State Chief Judge to constitute a seven man panel to be made up of men of unquestionable character.
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However, Madumere’s political ally, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume at the weekend condemned the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor by the Imo State House of Assembly.
A statement credited to the Deputy Chairman, Araraume Destiny Campaign Organization reads “The impeachment move of Prince Eze Madumere, Deputy Governor of Imo State by Imo State House of Assembly is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well meaning indigenes of Imo State.
“In the history of the State, Dee Sam Mbakwe in his 4years administration worked with one deputy, in his eight year tenure, Achike Udenwa worked with one deputy, Ikedi Ohakim in his four year tenure worked with one deputy; how could Rochas Okorocha in his eight tenure impeach two of his deputies?
We, members of Araraume Destiny Organisation Imo State condemn this action in its entirety and urge our elected members in the Imo State House of Assembly to shelve this unwarranted and shameful plot of impeaching the deputy governor of the state”