The Imo State House of Assembly elected its fourth speaker in four years on Monday in the State capital Owerri.

The new speaker Emeka Nduka (APC-Ehime Mbano), replaced Kennedy Ibe (APC-Obowo), who resigned earlier.

Mr Ibe’s two predecessors were impeached in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Mr Ibe was sworn in as speaker on November 8, 2021, following the impeachment of Paul Emeziem (APC-Onuimo) for forgery and highhandedness.

Mr Emeziem took over from Collins Chiji (APC-Isiala Mbano) in November 2020 after he was impeached for unparliamentarily conduct and gross misconduct.

Mr Chiji, however, appealed to the House to have his impeachment expunged from the legislative records and recorded as resignation, a request which was approved.

The fourth speaker, Mr Nduka was elected on Monday at a special closed-door sitting presided over by Deputy Speaker Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (APC-Nwangele), who called for nominations after reading Mr Ibe’s letter of resignation.

The majority leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC-Owerri West), nominated Mr Nduka, which was seconded by Uju Onwudiwe (APC-Njaba).

No reason was given for Mr Ibe’s resignation. 

(NAN)