The Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Emmanuel Onuche, over allegations of gross misconduct and actions that are said to have tarnished the state’s image.
The suspension was announced during the House plenary on Wednesday. Onuche was directed to hand over the affairs of the council to the Vice Chairman, Victoria Okolo, pending the conclusion of investigations.
The House resolved that an effective investigation into the allegations against the embattled chairman would not be possible while he remains in office.
During the session, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, constituted a five-member committee headed by Hon. Bode Ogunmola, to investigate the allegations.
Other members of the committee include Hon. Ishaya Omotayo Adeleye, (Ijumu); Hon. Asema Baba Haruna, (Adavi); Anthony Ujah, (Olamaboro) and Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani, (Lokoja 1) while Muhammed Bello will serve as Clerk of the committee.
The committee is expected to submit its report within one month.
Meanwhile, three members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers who defected include Hon. Bode Ogunmola (PDP – Ogori/Magongo), Hon. Idowu Ibikunle (ADC – Yagba East), and Hon. Sunday Daku (PDP – Bassa).
