The Leader of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Ajero Prosper Okeoghene, has been impeached by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The impeachment was carried out on Wednesday during a plenary session at the legislative chamber of Ughelli North Local Government, with 12 out of the 18 councillors in attendance endorsing the action.
In a joint statement signed by the councillors, they accused the ousted leader of failing to meet the constitutional and legislative requirements expected of the Leader of the 8th Assembly. The lawmakers said their decision was reached after what they described as a careful review of his conduct and leadership style.
“We, the undersigned councillors of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative House of the 8th Assembly, having critically observed the activities of the Leader, Rt. Hon. Ajero Okeoghene Prosper, resolved as a matter of urgency to impeach him in line with the Delta State Local Government Law 2013 (as amended) and established legislative practices,” the statement read.
The councillors further stated that Okeoghene lacked the capacity to effectively lead the Assembly, adding that a change in leadership was necessary to reposition the legislative arm for better performance.
According to the statement, the impeachment followed allegations of misappropriation of funds, inability to effectively pilot the affairs of the House, high-handedness, gross misconduct, refusal to convene plenary sessions when due, and excessive drunkenness.
Having met the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority, a motion for his impeachment and removal was formally moved by Hon. Onome Isherhe, Councillor representing Ughelli Ward 12, and seconded by Hon. Clever Erhuvwu Ofariko of Orogun Ward 3.
Subsequently, a motion for the emergence of a new Leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm was moved by Hon. Collins Oghenebrorhie Arhiakpore, Councillor representing Agbarha Ward 2, and seconded by Hon. Felicia Diedjomaho of Agbarho Ward 1.
Among the councillors who signed the impeachment notice are Hon. Orido December, Hon. Victor, Hon. Igogono Goddey, Hon. Felicia Diedjomaho, Hon. Inana Oke Festus, Hon. Clever Erhuvwu Ofariko, Hon. Collins Arhiakpore, Hon. Joseph Friday Obara, Hon. Onome Isherhe, and Hon. Palmer Israel.
Following the impeachment, Rt. Hon. Solomon Oghenero Agbini, Councillor representing Ogor Ward 1, was elected as the new Leader of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm.
Efforts to reach the impeached leader for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone were neither answered nor returned as of the time of filing this report.
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