According to reports, yesterday, 18 out of 24 members of the Abia State House of Assembly—which meets outside the state Assembly chamber in Umuahia, the state capital—voted to remove Chinedum Orji as speaker. His replacement, Chukwudi Apugo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Orji, who represents Umuahia East Constituency, was chosen to serve as the new Speaker.

A video that trended online showed the impeachment session allegedly presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Ifeanyi Uchendu, with the names and signatures of the 18 members posted online. Uchendu, according to the online report, merely stated that the Speaker, who is under fire, was impeached due to a number of allegations.

The House has not met since it adjourned roughly three months ago to allow members to take part in party activities and campaigns for the recently held federal and state elections.

It was, however, gathered that the non-reconvention of the House was to prevent Orji’s impeachment and to allow members’ grievances against him to be addressed.

Security personnel were visible at the House gate as early as 8:00 a.m., preventing people from entering. The impeachment process was illegal and could not stand, according to Jerry Uzosike, who represents Umuahia South, and Ike Onuzurike, who represents Umuahia North, in phone interviews with journalists. Nevertheless, Orji was unable to respond to calls placed on his mobile phone for his reactions. The duo is said to be top and die-hard supporters of Orji.

MEANWHILE, there are indications that the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, may intervene in the current House crisis. The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka, made this known, yesterday, in a statement.

The CPS said: “The governor is of the view that with barely one month to the end of his administration, and the ushering in of a new administration, it will make no sense to engage in any issue that is likely to plunge the state into any form of confusion.”

He stated that Ikpeazu does not have the luxury of time and resources for any crisis at the moment, adding that the mood in the state makes any such move inexpedient.

Indicating that the governor would shortly meet with the lawmakers, Ikpeazu appealed to Orji and other lawmakers to maintain peace, and allow reason and patriotism to guide their actions.