For Gross Misconduct, Misappropriation of Funds, High-handedness, Esan Central Chairman, Impeached.
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
Today, December 31st 2024, Hon. Paul Iyoha, the Chairman of Esan Central local government area, and his Deputy, Hon. Nicholas Ojeme, were impeached from office.
The Impeachment procedure came up during the plenary that held in the hallow Chamber of the Council, where seven, out of ten members were present. The Impeachment process began when Hon. Famous Ebanehita, who represents Ward 10, moved the motion of impeachment, by referring to the petition of impeachment of the Chairman and his Vice.
Moving the motion, Hon. Famous Ebanehita said;"I stand this morning to tender a petition of impeachment against the Chairman and Vice Chairman of this local government area.
"Mr. Leader, I hereby move a motion of impeachment of the Chairman, and the Vice Chairman on the following grounds..."
Hon. Ebanehita, in his motion of impeachment, duly signed by seven councillors, the former Chairman of the local government area, was accused of Misappropriation of Funds, High-handedness, and revealing of official secrets to the public.
The Impeachment motion, was seconded by Hon. Solomon Onoabhagbe, representing Ward 7, and thereafter, the Leader of the House, who is also the acting Chairman, Rt. Hon. Kelvin Iyere, ruled in favour of the impeachment motion, as the gravel rammed.
Also in today's plenary, Hon. George Washington Egbele, who was hitherto on suspension, was recalled to resume sitting, as Hon. Famous Ebanehita moved the motion for his recall, which was seconded by Hon. Kelvin Okpeahior who represents Ward 1.
Motion for adjournment to 22nd of January, 2025, was moved by Hon. Famous Ebanehita and seconded by Hon. George Washington Egbele.
Speaking with a team of newsmen, after the plenary, the Leader of the House, and the acting Chairman, Rt. Hon. Kelvin Iyere Ainiyanlenhimi, said; "this is what I mean, when I talk about due process. As far as I am concerned, the wheels of development in Esan central local government cannot be truncated, as a new Esan Central local government area is rising, in line with the rising of a new Edo state".
In an exclusive chat with Winning Media Online, Hon. George Washington Egbele, expressed delight over his recall back to the House, saying; "now that my colleagues have found me not wanting, of what i was accused of, they thought it good to recall me.
"I am a PDP member, and will remain a PDP member. Today however, a new leadership has emerged in Esan central local government, and irrespective of whatever affiliation we belong to, what is more important, is for us to work together to ensure that the people of our wards and local government maximally benefit from the dividends of democracy".