Imo Assembly Speaker Declares Nkwerre Seat Of Okwarra Vacant, Ideato North Lawmaker, Egwim Recalled

Dan Opara

In compliance with section 109 of 1999 Constitution as amended, the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), has declared the seat of Nkwerre State Constituency vacant.

The decision followed a motion moved by a member representing Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, Hon Blyden Amajirionwu, who on the floor of the House on Wednesday, April 6th 2022, moved a motion praying that the  Seat of Hon. Obinna Okwara, member representing Nkwerre State Constituency be declared vacant owing to his defection to PDP.

Hon. Blyden Amajirionwu, member representing Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, who copiously quoted section 109 of 1999 Constitution as amended, particularly subsections (1) and (2), said that any member who left the party that sponsored his election and moved to another party,  the Speaker shall declare such a seat vacant.

Amajirionwu’s motion was seconded by Rt.Hon.Chiji Collins, member representing Isiala-Mbano State Constituency.

The Speaker who immediately consulted the Constitution and House Rule asked that Hon.Blyden Amajirionwu, substantiate his allegation by presenting evidence.

The Ngor-Okpala member laid pictorials and Video Cassette Disc, VCD, on the table showing where Hon.Obinna Okwara defected to PDP and raised up the PDP party card.

Bound by the constitutional provision, the Speaker who painstakingly read the relevant portions of the constitution, called for voice votes, with almost all the honourable members giving nods to the constitutional provision, with the shout of acknowledgment of one voice on the agreement.

The Speaker, therefore, declared the seat of Nkwerre State Constituency vacant and called on INEC to conduct a bye-election in the area.

Similarly, the member representing Ideato North State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Arthur Egwim, who was among the other 2 members that were suspended on 23rd, December  2021,  for dishonourable behaviour, was recalled.

The Rt.Hon Speaker who read his apology letter on the floor of the House announced his recall after a unanimous agreement by members of the State House.