Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, on Monday, swore in the Deputy Chairman of the Obingwa Local Government, Mrs. Uloma Nwogu as the substantive Chairman of the council on the grounds that the elected chairman of the Council, Ibe Nwoke was reportedly removed for defecting to the Young Progressives Party.
Speaking at the Swearing-in Ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Umuahia, Governor Ilpeazu said he was in receipt of a letter dated May 23, 2022, written by the former Executive Chairman of the Obingwa LGA, Ibe Nwoke, entitled: “Resignation of my party membership.”
According to Ikpeazu, that was in consonance with the Laws guiding the Abia State Local Government system.
The Governor stated that the consequence was that Mr. Nwoke breached the provisions of Section 23, Sub-section 1(f) of the Abia State local Government Law No. 2 of 2006.
The Governor reiterated that the Law made it imperative for a new Chairman to be sworn in to take over the reigns of power at the Obingwa Local Government because nature abhors vacuum.
According to him, the event marked a milestone in the development of the Local Government system noting that his administration was the only one that deemed it wise to conduct local government elections for two consecutive times within his tenure.
Ikpeazu advised the newly sworn in Chairman to leave legacies, as her stewardship would open more doors for women in politics and administration.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Mrs. Nwogu, thanked the Governor for finding her worthy to serve and promised not to disappoint him and the state.
The former Chairman in his response said he has contacted his Legal Team with this Release
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 a removal offense has being 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 and the entire Abia especially the youths to remain calm as we seek legal redress to this illegality.
As we all know that we have another mandate to Represent the Good people of Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal constituency come 2023 so we must be focus on the task ahead.
Thank you and God bless you.
Hon. Michael Ibe Nwoke
Executive Chairman, Obingwa Local Government Area.
July 4, 2022.
