>
There was drama at the Imo State House of Assembly on Monday after six lawmakers led by the removed Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu, invaded the house and impeached the Speaker, Paul Emeziem.
The lawmakers hurriedly elected a ranking member, Kennedy Ibeh, as the new Speaker.
Ibeh, who represents Obowo state constituency, was first elected in 2015 and was reelected in 2019.He was one of the six lawmakers Emeziem controversially suspended on July 8 for “unparliamentary conduct.”
Before the removal of Emeziem, the complex was barricaded, with security operatives barring staff, lawmakers and their aides from gaining access.
The session which lasted for only 15 minutes came to an end immediately Ibeh assumed office as the new Speaker of the Assembly.
It was gathered that the resolution to remove Emeziem was signed by 19 out of the 27 members of the Assembly.
The 19 lawmakers accused the fremoved Speaker of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Emeziem, who got wind of his removal, rushed to the complex but was barred from gaining access into the complex.He was said to have been tear-gassed but he insisted on having his way.
The new Speaker was one of the 18 lawmakers whose names appeared on the list of those that signed a resolution removing the former deputy speaker.
Ibeh, after the sitting told newsmen that he would carry every lawmaker along.
Emeziem, however, said he has not been removed.He said that the news of his impeachment was ” childish, null and void.”
“Amara Iwuanyanwu can’t convene a plenary because he was properly impeached. If there should be any plenary, I am the one empowered by the law to call for it. Today is not our plenary day. Today is for our committee sittings, not plenary. Amara Iwuanyanwu stands impeached.”