Thirteen councillors of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm, have raised serious concerns over alleged threats to their lives following the impeachment of the former Leader of the House in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
They described the situation as undemocratic as it pose threat to the legislature.
Speaking at a press briefing, the councillors said since the impeachment exercise, Twelve (12) of them have been unable to return to their homes, alleging that hoodlums and cultists have been trailing their families and monitoring their residences in an attempt to force a reversal of the legislative decision.
According to the new Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Agbini Solomon Oghenero, “My emergence was is not aimed at fighting the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government as whatever that transpired in the Legislative chamber is purely legislative business.
According to him, “My leadership is strictly for legislative business and collective decision-making to move Ughelli North forward.
“I have no intention whatsoever to fight the chairman or his administration as my duty is to work with my colleagues legislatively and ensure that Ughelli North is better for everyone,” he stated.
On threat, Hon. Collins Arhiakpore, councillor representing Agbarha Ward 2, alleged that since January 14 that the lawful impeachment was carried out, councillors have lived in fear.
“We have not been sleeping in our homes, the clothes I am wearing now have been with me since that day as we received reports that hoodlums were moving around our homes. Our lives are at risk. Hon. Arhiakpore, further alleged that immediately after the impeachment, the former leader allegedly unscrewed his walking stick, brought out a dagger and stabbed Hon Onome Isherhe and was chasing me and in that process, my phone, power bank, bag, and other items that fell were seized by him.
“It took the intervention of the people for the items to be released before they were sent to me. “The threat from unknown persons has continued even after the plenary, with claims that thugs were mobilised to intimidate councillors.”
Hon. Festus Oke Inana, councillor representing Orogun Ward 5, said, “The impeachment was purely a legislative matter, carried out in line with constitutional provisions.
“Although a meeting of elders and leaders of Ughelli north was convened as the outcome that the insistence that status quo should be maintained is not workable within legislative practice.
“We have a clear two-thirds majority that removed the former leader, and the same two-thirds majority produced a new leader. This is constitutional, and we stand by Rt. Hon. Igbini Solomon Oghenero,” he said.
Hon. Inana, also questioned the rationale behind the pressure on them over the impeachment.
“The listed allegations of Misappropriation of fund, Abuse of office, Inability to pilot the House effectively and excessive alcohol consumption were the reasons behind the impeachment and they are genuine.” He revealed.
Hon. Onome Isherhe, councillor representing Ughelli North Ward 12, on his part denied the allegations that hoodlums invaded the Legislative chamber of Ughelli North during the January 14 plenary.
Hon Isherhe clarified that the process was carried out in the presence of Legislative Officers, Clerk of the House,, Sergeant at Arms, Recorders and spectators, with no hoodlums invading the chamber. He however denied the allegations that symbol of Authority of the House, (MACE) was carted away by hoodlums. The symbol of Authority is the custody of whom it ought to be with.”
On quorum and legislative procedure, he revealed that five councillors cannot lawfully sit to deliberate or pass a budget, contrary to rumours making the rounds as it is unconstitutional.
He emphasized that with a new leader in place, only the duly recognised leadership can convene legislative business.
Other councillors who spoke affirming their support for the new leadership include, Hon. Glory Obodo, councillor representing Ughelli North Ward 11, and Hon. Okeoghene Doris Isodje, councillor representing Agbarho Ward 20, respectively.
They said, “If you are a leader, lead well and by example. Legislative business is not negotiable,”
As councillors we have no intention of fighting the executive chairman but we and remain committed to working with him for the development of Ughelli North.”
“We are appealing to the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene on the matter as the Leader of the party to resolve the matter amicably.
The councillors unanimously appealed to the public to remain calm, insisting that no chaos exists within the council and that all issues will be resolved through lawful legislative processes.
They also called on security agencies to intervene urgently to guarantee their safety as they continue to carry out their constitutional duties.