The Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Onuche, over alleged gross misconduct.
The suspension, announced during plenary on Wednesday by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, will remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.
Speaker Yusuf said the decision was taken to allow for a fair and transparent probe, noting that the chairman’s alleged actions had brought disrepute to the state government.
He directed Onuche to hand over the administration of the council to the Vice Chairman, Hon. Victoria Okolo, until the inquiry is concluded.
To investigate the matter, the House set up a five-member committee chaired by Hon. Bode Ogunmola. Other members include Hon. Ishaya Omotayo Adeleye (Ijumu), Hon. Asema Baba Haruna (Adavi), Hon. Anthony Ujah (Olamaboro), and Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani (Lokoja I), with Muhammed Bello serving as the committee clerk. The committee is expected to submit its report within one month.
Meanwhile, the plenary also witnessed the defection of three lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors are Hon. Bode Ogunmola (PDP – Ogori/Magongo), Hon. Sunday Daku (PDP – Bassa), and Hon. Idowu Ibikunle (ADC – Yagba East).
They attributed their defection to internal crises, leadership tussles, and prolonged stagnation in their former political parties, pledging to work with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to promote development across the state.
With their defection, the APC now holds all 25 seats in the Kogi State House of Assembly, making it entirely dominated by the ruling party.
(National Update)
