Esan North East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, has dismissed reports of his purported impeachment as “a joke of the century,” calling the process illegal and a product of political manipulation.
The news of the alleged impeachment spread over the weekend after a group of councillors representing various wards in the local government claimed to have removed Dr. Inedegbor from office. However, the local government press office has moved quickly to refute the claims, calling the impeachment process unlawful.
In a statement released on Monday, January 6, 2025, Okonofua Harry Osemobor, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman made available to Truth Live News, emphasized that there was no valid impeachment notice served to Dr. Inedegbor, as required by the law noting that according to the Nigerian Constitution, a 14-day notice must be given before an impeachment process can proceed, a stipulation that was ignored in this case.
“There was no time the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, was served any impeachment notice. By law, the constitution stipulates a 14-day notice. In this case, they acted contrary to the law due to their ignorance,” the statement read.
The statement also outlined that Dr. Inedegbor was not given a fair hearing, nor was he allowed to appear before any inquiry panel set up by the councillors noting that this lack of due process further undermines the validity of the purported impeachment, according to the statement.
In a shocking revelation, it was disclosed that the so-called impeachment took place under suspicious circumstances—the event reportedly occurred at 12:30 AM, when the Secretariat was closed for the day and most staff were absent. Questions have been raised about how the councillors were able to gain access to the Chambers, and local authorities have been urged to investigate the breach of security.
“Our investigation revealed that the illegal impeachment occurred at a time when everyone was asleep, and the Secretariat had closed for the day’s activities. How they gained access to the Chambers is part of our call on security agencies to investigate,” the statement continued.
Further details obtained from some of the councillors involved in the impeachment action revealed that three of the signatories to the impeachment documents were forged, while four others admitted they were coerced into signing by a political figure in the local government. The identity of the political leader behind the alleged coercion has not been disclosed at this time.
Dr. Inedegbor, who was elected as Chairman of Esan North East Local Government, has rejected the purported impeachment, calling it “null and void.” He reiterated his commitment to serving his people and fulfilling his constitutional duties.
“I condemn this act as a violation of the rule of law and a direct attack on the democratic process. I remain the duly elected Chairman of Esan North East, and I will continue to serve the people with dedication and respect for the law,” Dr. Inedegbor stated.
In response to the unfolding developments, the Chief Press Secretary urged all well-meaning citizens to stand against the harassment, intimidation, and illegality being perpetuated by some local political actors assuring the public that any unauthorized actions, including illegal access to the local government’s treasury, would be resisted through legal means.
“We call on all sons and daughters of Esan North East to continue their daily routines without fear, as this purported impeachment will not stand. The truth will come out, and the law will prevail,” the statement concluded.
As of now, the situation remains tense, with calls for further investigation into the actions of the councillors involved in the controversial impeachment attempt.