By Nuel Suji, Abuja.
The impeachment process commenced against Governor Martin Nwancho Elechi of Ebonyi State, Tuesday suffered a major set back, as seven of the 15 members of the State House of Assembly that signed the sack notice have withdrawn from the move.
Minority leader of the House, Mr. Enyi C. Enyi of the opposition All Progressives Congress APC, who announced this while briefing newsmen in Enugu said the latest change of heart was taken after wide consultations.
“Our decision to withdraw from the impeachment plot was informed by far reaching consultations within and outside our constituencies.
“We were also touched by the deep political counseling from our leaders and elders.
According to him, “Most importantly, we were alarmed at the discovery that the impeachment, if consummated, would spew deep political bad blood and dichotomy between the two political blocs, Abakaliki and Afikpo.
“Moreover, if the impeachment is pursued to its logical end, each member of the fourth plenary of the state assembly would wear the stigma and badge of dishonor as the first set of lawmakers to impeach a governor in the South-East zone,” he pointed out.
The APC lawmaker however, expressed regrets that the assembly which used to be an epitome of a peaceful and focused legislature had descended on a dangerous lane.
“The attempt to impeach the governor barely two months to the end of his tenure stood out as evidence of this loss of bearing.
“Some of us in the assembly, especially the integrity group, have been reflecting on what kind of legacy we intend to leave behind as our contributions to the growth of the state and democracy,”
He noted that though, there were many acts of impunity in the implementation of laws and administration of funds in the state during the present dispensation, adding that does not mean that the governor should not be given a fair hearing as stipulated by the constitution.
He also stressed the need for genuine reconciliation among the political class in the troubled state.
The legislator therefore, urged the governor to gather all aggrieved parties irrespective of party affiliation, religion or zone for dialogue and reconciliation for the interest of the state.
