Ebonyi deputy speaker raises the alarm over impeachment plot

By OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE, Abakaliki

Ebonyi Deputy Speaker Odefa Odefa has raised the alarm over plots to impeach him.

He raised the alarm in a statement on Saturday in Abakaliki, the State capital.

He also alleged some persons in the State were plotting to harass, intimidate and incarcerate him, members of his family and political associates.

He however did not name those plotting such moves against him.

Odefa said those plotting to remove him from office are planning to do so through illegal means.

Odefa, who is the brother to the Southeast National Vice Chairman of People’s Democratic Party(PDP), Ali Odefa, reaffirmed that he is still a member of the party despite speculations to the contrary.

He said the reaffirmation became necessary because, for over one year since the defection of Governor David Umahi to the All Progressive Congress (APC) from the PDP, there have been speculations as to which party he belongs.

He noted that under the Constitution, a lawmaker is allowed to defect to another party if there is a crisis in his party.

“My party, the PDP from the ward, local government, state and national levels remain peacefully united and not in any way present the avenue that could engender my defection from the Larry to another political party”

“Also, it is well-established tradition and convention that a lawmaker who wishes to defect from his political party to another is required to formally wrote to the Speaker informing him and other lawmakers in plenary of such decision.

“It is on record that I have never this decision and no such letter has ever been read on the floor of Ebonyi state House of Assembly,” he said

Odefa noted he has no moral justification to abandon the party as he is one of the major beneficiaries of the PDP benevolence having been elected four times to the Assembly on its platform.

He alleged the plot to remove him as Deputy Speaker may not be unconnected to his decision to remain with the party.

“I, therefore, hereby affirm that I remain loyal committed and proud member of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Ebonyi State chapter.

“Consequent upon the foregoing, I am aware that there are already some clandestine moves to possibly incarcerate, intimidate, and harass me; members of my family and political associates.

“I am aware that there is a move to make illegal attempt to remove me as the Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, a position that my colleagues found me worthy and capable of manning for some years now.”

While assuring party members, supporters and constituents of his resolve to remain firm on the side of the law, Odefa vowed to deploy all legal means to protect his fundamental human rights.

He however stated that his relationship with Governor Umahi remains cordial as he has tremendous respect for him. (The Nation)