Imo Council Chairman Refutes Claims of Legislative Leader’s Impeachment

The Local Council Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State, Prince Obioha Ndukwe, has denied reports that the Leader of the Legislative Council, Kennedy Egeonu, was impeached and replaced. He described the claim as false and misleading and urged the public to disregard it.

The chairman made the statement while speaking to journalists after the report sparked public reaction and political tension. The allegation claimed that Emeka Ekere had been installed as the new council leader.

Ndukwe said no impeachment had taken place, noting that the executive arm of the council had not received any official notice of such an action.

He explained that legislative leadership can only be changed through formal procedures and legal channels, not through rumours or informal declarations.

The chairman highlighted that the spread of the unverified claim has already caused unnecessary confusion among residents and political stakeholders.

He urged those responsible for the rumors to stop actions that could disrupt peace and stability in the council.

He added that the council remains focused on governance and development, emphasizing ongoing projects in road rehabilitation, security, market development, and education.

Ndukwe cautioned councillors and political actors to concentrate on their official duties and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the council.

He stressed that political disagreements should be handled through lawful and democratic means, not through actions that undermine public trust and established procedures.

Commenting on the political climate ahead of the September 2026 local council elections, the chairman said ambition must be pursued with restraint and respect for due process.

He added that performance and service delivery should remain the basis for political support, not crisis‑driven manoeuvring.

The chairman also referred to the existing zoning arrangement, noting that leadership rotation between the Ihitte and Uboma blocs is a guiding principle for stability.

Under the arrangement, the Uboma bloc is expected to produce the next executive chairman, a development he said should be respected by stakeholders.

Ndukwe called on traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, and political leaders to remain calm and avoid escalating tension over what he described as unverified claims.

The LGA chairman urged citizens to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information about the council’s affairs, maintaining that the executive and legislative arms will continue to work together without disruption.

He reiterated that Egeonu remains the duly recognised Leader of the Legislative Council.