Imo Assembly Speaker resigns

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Acho Ihim, has resigned his position few weeks to the inauguration of the new session.

The embattled speaker tendered his resignation letter to the Clerk of the House, Chris Duru.

The Deputy Speaker, Ugonna Ozurigbo, also resigned in a similar manner last week.

Of the 27 lawmakers, 21 suspended the Speaker and Majority Leader Lugard Osuji for “conducts against the interest of members of the House”.

The aggrieved lawmakers announced Chinedu Offor (Onuimo council) as the Acting Speaker.

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Ihim’s Chief Press Secretary, Marcel Ekwezuo, confirmed the resignation.

He said: “The Speaker has resigned. He tendered his resignation letter today May 28 (yesterday). He is grateful to his colleagues and the people for the opportunity to serve as the number third citizen of the state for four years.”

But a lawmaker said Ihim resigned because of fear of being impeached.

“Yes, he has resigned, but beyond the reason given, he played a fast one by resigning before he is impeached during the next plenary. He knows that after today, he will no longer get the executive backing to remain as the Speaker until this Assembly ends. He preferred to leave with the governor which is the best for him,” he said.