Ejikeme Uwa–UMUAHIA
The embattled Executive Chairman of Obingwa local government area of Abia state, Honourable Ibe Nwoke have finally been removed from office.
His removal and replacement with Mrs Uloma Nwogu as the new Executive Chairperson of Obingwa local government area, was contained in a press release signed by the chief press secretary to Abia state governor,Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka and made available to newsmen in Umuahia today.
The release said that Mrs Uloma Nwogu before she was sworn in today as the Executive Chairperson of Obingwa local government by the Governor of Abia state,Dr Okezie Ikpeazu at the Exco Chambers government Umuahia this afternoon was the Executive Deputy Chairperson of Obingwa Local government area.
The release said that the Governor, swore in Mrs Nwogu, following the receipt of a letter dated 23rd May, 2022 written by the former Executive Chairman of Obingwa LGA Hon Ibe Nwoke entitled: “Resignation of my party membership.”
According to the release the “Governor stated that in consonance with the Laws guiding the Abia State Local Government System, the consequence is 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 said that the Law makes it imperative for a new Chairman to be sworn in to take over the reigns of power at Obingwa Local Government.
According to him, the event marks a milestone in the development of the Local Government system, noting that his administration is the only one that deemed it wise to conduct Local government elections for two consecutive times within his tenure.
Dr Ikpeazu added that the essence is to deepen democracy and involve youths and women in the governance process.
He congratulated the new Chairperson and enjoined her to protect the interest of Obingwa and Abia State by mainstreaming the interest of women and youths.
Governor Ikpeazu further advised her to leave legacies, as her stewardship will open more doors for women in politics and administration.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairperson,Mrs Uloma Nwogu thanked the Governor for finding her worthy to serve and promised not to disappoint him and the state.
The oaths of office and allegiance were administered on the new Chairman by Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Justice, Mrs Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne.
It will be recalled that the former Executive chairman of Obingwa local government area, Honourable lbe Nwoke, who is from the same local government area of the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu last month decamped from the People’s Democratic party (PDP) and joined the Young Progressive party(YPP).
Efforts made by the Abia State people’s Democratic party leadership to use Obingwa local government elected councillors to impeached him failed, hence the resort to use of the Abia local government law to remove him which is subject to Judiciary interpretation.