Imo Council Chairman denies reported impeachment of legislative leader

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

The council chairman made the clarification while addressing journalists following public reactions and political tension generated by the report, which alleged that Emeka Ekere had been installed as the new council leader.

He stated that no impeachment had been carried out, as the executive arm of the council had yet to receive any official report regarding the alleged impeachment.

Ndukwe explained that legislative leadership cannot be altered through rumours or informal declarations, but only through established procedures and proper legal channels.

The council chairman noted that the circulation of the alleged impeachment, which is yet to be verified, has already created unnecessary confusion among residents and political stakeholders in the area.

He urged those behind the reports to desist from actions capable of disrupting peace and stability in the council.

The chairman maintained that the council remains focused on governance and development rather than political distractions, noting that ongoing efforts in road rehabilitation, security improvement, market development, and education remain top priorities of his administration.

Ndukwe also 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 must be handled through lawful and democratic means rather than through actions that could undermine public trust and established procedures.

Commenting on the emerging political atmosphere ahead of the September 2026 local council elections, the chairman said political 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 council chairman also pointed to the existing zoning arrangement in the area, noting that leadership rotation between the Ihitte and Uboma blocs remains a guiding principle for political stability.

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

Ndukwe used the opportunity to call 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 of the council 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 any disruption.

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

Imo Council Chairman denies reported impeachment of legislative leader