Imo Council Vice Chairman Bags Indefinite Suspension Over Alleged Armed Robbery, Others

By George OPARA

The Ezinihitte Mbaise Legislative Assembly of Imo State, has suspended indefinitely Prince Mathew Igbokwe, Vice Chairman of the Council for his alleged involvement in armed robbery and other administrative misconducts.

The Legislative members of the council under the leadership of Benson Mgbechi, in a signed statement affirmed the decision to suspend the Council’s Vice Chairman, was taken during a plenary session, where a seven-day ultimatum was given to the Vice Chairman to appear before it.

The motion for the Vice Chairman’s suspension was moved by the Chief Whip, Ajaa Echezolachi and seconded by the Deputy leader, Steven Echeta and adopted by the members present during the plenary.

In the statement, it was disclosed that the suspension of Igbokwe was premised on a series of serious allegations of misconduct which include consistent absence from official duties and traveling outside the state without obtaining the necessary permission from the Council.

“Such actions are considered a dereliction of duty and a breach of official protocols expected of a high-ranking public servant.
The most damaging of the accusations, is that Igbokwe is alleged to be involved in armed robbery and other unspecified crimes. This serious claim is reportedly substantiated by his arrest and detention by the Lagos State Police Command, providing a critical piece of evidence cited by the Assembly.

” Igbokwe’s alleged odious activities have brought immense shame and ridicule upon the Government of Imo State, the Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government and the entire populace of the Council,” the release stated.

The Legislative body, therefore, underscored that such conduct is unbecoming of a person occupying the very high office of Vice Chairman.

The Leadership of the Legislative Council, added that its swift and decisive action is firmly rooted in the provisions of law No. 6, 2022 of the Nigerian Constitution of Administration as amended.

It insisted that the expedited move is crucial to salvage the name and image of the Council which have been dragged to the mud.

“The aim is to prove to the whole world that Ezinihitte Mbaise people are not known with such odious character and attitude”.