The Deputy Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Council, Imo State, Prince Mathew Igbokwe has been suspended indefinitely by the Council’s Legislative Assembly due to his purported involvement in armed robbery and other administrative transgressions.
In a press release endorsed by the Legislative members of the council led by Benson Mgbechi, the choice to suspend the Council’s Deputy Chairman was made during a plenary session, where a seven-day ultimatum was issued for the Deputy Chairman to appear before it.
The proposal for the Deputy Chairman’s suspension was put forth by the Chief Whip, Ajaa Echezolachi, and was seconded by the Deputy Leader, Steven Echeta, and adopted by the members present during the session.
The press release disclosed that Igbokwe’s suspension stemmed from a series of grave allegations of misconduct, including habitual absence from official engagements and traveling outside the state without securing the requisite approval from the Council.
“Such behavior is deemed a neglect of duty and a violation of the official protocols anticipated of a senior public official. The most serious of the allegations is that Igbokwe is purportedly involved in armed robbery and other unspecified offenses. This grave accusation is reportedly supported by his arrest and detention by the Lagos State Police Command, which serves as a significant piece of evidence referenced by the Assembly.
” Igbokwe’s alleged reprehensible actions have resulted in considerable disgrace and contempt directed at the Government of Imo State, the Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government, and the entire community of the Council,” the release mentioned.
The Legislative body, in the press statement, underscored that such behavior is inappropriate for someone holding the esteemed position of Deputy Chairman.
The Leadership of the Legislative Council added that its prompt and decisive action is firmly based on the stipulations of law No. 6, 2022 of the Nigerian Constitution of Administration as amended.
It insisted that the swift action is essential to restore the reputation and standing of the Council, which has been sullied.
“The objective is to demonstrate to the entire world that the people of Ezinihitte Mbaise are not associated with such despicable conduct and demeanor,” the statement concluded.
