investigate five separate petitions brought before the House against the Ebonyi State governor, Chief Martin Elechi, his son, Prince Elechi Elechi, the Labour Party governorship candidate and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters over alleged misappropriation of funds.
The five petitions brought before the House by Ebonyi Integrity Group through their counsel, Barrister Clement Odaah accused the governor, his son (Elechi N. Elechi), Sir Edward Nkwegu and others of financial scam bordering on contract inflation and conniving to use the state fund for private gains.
The petitions were read on the floor of the House by the acting
leader, Hon Ikechukwu Ogbu and thereafter adopted by the House as a working document through a motion moved by Hon Ogbonnaya Nwifuru representing Izzi West state constituency.
In his contribution, the minority leader of the House, Hon Enyi C. Enyi described the allegations against the governor as a shocker and maintained that they are impeachable offences if the governor is found guilty after investigations.
Other lawmakers who commented on the petitions noted the need for the House to invoke all of its constitutional powers to deal with the petition. They, however, pointed out that those accused would be given the opportunity to defend themselves before the House takes necessary actions.
However, the speaker, Hon Chukwuma Nwazunku who adopted the petition through voice votes immediately set up a special committee headed by Hon Odefa O. Odefa representing Onicha South to further investigate the allegations against the governor and others and report back to the House.
Nwazunku noted that the essence of the special committee is to do a thorough investigation as the allegations are weighty, adding that if they are found to be true, it would be a serious problem in the state that must be dealt with.
Meanwhile, the deputy director, media and publicity, Herigate Campaign Organisation, Mr Chooks Okoh described the allegations and the decision of the House as the last kick of a dying horse and urged the House to concentrate on making useful laws rather than focus on frivolities.
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