Thirteen councillors of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm have appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and security agencies to intervene in the lingering cr!sis rocking the council, following the impeachment of the former Leader of the House.
The councillors, who addressed journalists in Ughelli, insisted that the impeachment was a lawful legislative action carried out in line with constitutional provisions, but lamented that the aftermath has exposed them to alleged thrêats and int!midation.
They dismissed claims that chaos or hoodlums disrupted the January 14 plenary, stressing that the sitting was conducted in the presence of legislative officers, including the Clerk of the House, Sergeant-at-Arms, recorders and other observers.
Councillor representing Ughelli North Ward 12, Hon. Onome Isherhe, said reports that hoódlums invaded the chamber or carted away the Mace, the symbol of authority of the House, were fålse.
“The plenary was orderly and followed due process. The Mace is in the custody of those constitutionally empowered to hold it,” he said, adding that rumours suggesting that a minority of councillors could sit to deliberate or pass a budget were misleading and unconstitutional.
He maintained that with a new leader duly elected, only the recognised leadership of the House could lawfully convene legislative business.
Speaking on the impeachment process, Councillor representing Orogun Ward 5, Hon. Felix Oke Inana, explained that the decision was supported by the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
“We followed due process. The same two-thirds majority that removed the former leader also elected Rt. Hon. Igbini Solomon Oghenero as the new leader. This is legislative practice, and we stand by it,” he said.
Hon. Inana further disclosed that allegations bordering on misappropriation of funds, abùse of office, inability to effectively pilot the House and excessive alcohol consumption informed the impéachment, describing them as genuine concerns raised by members.
The new Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Igbini Solomon Oghenero, stressed that his emergence was not aimed at confronting the executive arm of the council.
“My leadership is purely legislative. I have no intention to fight the Executive Chairman or his administration. Our duty is to work collectively to move Ughelli North forward,” he stated.
However, the councillors expressed fear for their safety, alleging that they have faced sustained thréats since the impéachment.
Hon. Collins Arhiakpore, Councillor representing Agbarha Ward 2, said many of them have been unable to return to their homes, claiming that hoodlums and cultists were monitoring their residences.
“Since January 14, we have lived in fear. Some of us have not slept in our homes. Our lives are at r!sk,” he alleged.
He further claimed that shortly after the impeachment, a confrontation occurred in which a councillor allegedly attempted to attack colleagues, leading to the seizure of some of his personal belongings before the intervention of bystanders.
Other councillors, including Hon. Glory Obodo of Ughelli North Ward 11 and Hon. Okeoghene Doris Isodje of Agbarho Ward 20, reaffirmed their support for the new leadership, urging all parties to respect legislative authority.
If you are a leader, you must lead by example. Legislative business is not negotiable,” they said.
The councillors emphasised that they have no intention of clashing with the executive chairman and remain committed to working with him in the interest of development.
They appealed to the governor, as leader of the ruling party in the state, to step in and help resolve the matter amicably, while also calling on security agencies to guarantee their safety as they continue to discharge their constitutional duties.
They assured residents that there was no breakdown of law and order in the council, urging the public to remain calm as all issues would be addressed through lawful and democratic processes.
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