Court ‘halts’ impeachment move against Imo deputy governor

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, to halt the impeachment process against him by the state House of Assembly.

The House on Tuesday set up a six-member committee headed by Kennedy Ibe, member representing Obowo Local Government Area, to probe allegations of misconduct against Mr Madumere and report back to it within seven days.

But surprisingly, the committee submitted its report about 48 hours later on Thursday, wherein it concluded that Mr Madumere has a case to answer.

The House subsequently on Thursday served a notice of impeachment on the deputy governor asking him to defend himself against the allegations against him.

But Mr Madumere said he was not properly served the notice, after one of his aides had on Wednesday refuted the allegations as baseless.

The deputy governor thereafter dragged the lawmakers and the state chief judge before the court in Abuja.

According to court papers made available to PREMIUM TIMES by his counsel, Johnmary Jideobi, the trial judge gave an order that could be interpreted to mean halting the removal process pending determination of the suit by Mr Madumere.

The Judge, O .A Musa, further granted the applicant leave to serve the processes in the suit on the defendants.