The Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chukwuma Nwazunku has been impeached by sixteen out of the twenty four members of the assembly over gross misconduct, incompetence and embezzlement of funds.
The deputy speaker, Hon. Blaise Orji has been elected as the new speaker, the Majority Leader of the assembly, Hon Sam Nwali representing Ikwo North while moving the motion for the impeachment of Nwazunku reminded the lawmakers about the running battle between the members of the house and the speaker.
While supporting the motion, , Hon Chris Usulor representing Ezza South State Constituency, alleged that the impeached Speaker, had continuously embezzled funds of the assembly and he urged other members to support the impeachment process.
The lawmakers also suspended four of their colleagues including the Chief Whip and Hon. Ogbonnaya Ikoro of Afikpo North West, Hon. Oliver Nwachukwu of Abakaliki North, Hon. Odefa Obasi Odefa of Onicha East constituency and Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Izzi West constituency of the state.
Members loyal to the impeached speaker have insisted that he remains the speaker of the House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, five months ago Mr. Nwazunku was also impeached over allegations of gross misconduct, incompetence and corruption but his job was saved due to the intervention of the state governor, Chief Martin Elechi.