The wind of cross-carpeting and impeachment is blowing across the Nigerian landscape, indicating that many politicians will not be at ease as the 2019 general elections draw nearer.
Last Tuesday, 19 of 27 lawmakers in Imo state impeached the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, over alleged misconduct, replacing him with Head of Service Callistus Ekenze. The action defied a July 30 ruling by Justice Ben Iheka of the State High Court, which restrained the legislators and the Chief Judge, Paschal Nnadi, from proceeding with the impeachment, pending hearing and determination of the matter.
Madumere had enjoined a good working relationship with Governor Rochas Okorocha. But things turned sour after he decided to succeed his principal. Okorocha is backing his brother-in-law and Chief of Staff, Chuks Ololo, as the next governor.
Also, political intrigues in Benue State went into over-drive on Wednesday as eight members of the 30-member strong House of Assembly declared that they would begin moves to impeach Governor Samuel Ortom. The governor last week defected from the APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The erstwhile Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, told reporters in Makurdi that a notice would be served on Governor Ortom “within seven days”. Ikyange had rejected his own impeachment, describing it as “an act of illegality”. He argued that it did not follow due process because the lawmakers sat while the House was on recess.
The Chief Judge of Benue State, Adam Onum, last week, restrained Ikyange from parading himself as Speaker, pending the determination of a suit filed by some lawmakers.
