Delta assembly sacks speaker

Monday Igbuya, speaker of the Delta state house of assembly, has been removed over allegations of “financial misappropriation and highhandedness.”

Motion for the impeachment of the speaker was unanimously adopted by all 22 members present at plenary after it was moved by Johnson Erijo (Isoko South II) and seconded by Peter Onwusanya (Oshimili South).

The remaining seven members, including the impeached speaker, of the 29-member assembly, were absent at the proceedings.

Moving the motion, Erijo said that the removal of Igbuya became necessary following his incompetence, highhandedness and unacceptable leadership style.

He added that for the assembly to move forward, a new speaker was needed as the legislature was key to the growth of democracy and development of the state.

The new speaker was nominated by Onwusanya and Daniel Mayuku of Warri south-west constituency. After his election, Oboriowori was immediately sworn in by the clerk of the house, Lyna Ocholor.

In his acceptance speech, Oborevwori promised to adhere to the rules of house, saying that though he had become the first among equals, he would accord every member his due respect.

He promised his colleagues that he would not allow the integrity of the assembly to be eroded, and called for support of members.

Oborevwori immediately announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the house.

The house also removed the majority leader, Tim Owhefere, and elected Johnson Erijo as his replacement.

Owhefere’s removal followed a motion by Onwusanya and seconded by Peter Uviejitobor (Udu constituency).

After his election, the new majority leader immediately moved a motion for the suspension of the impeached speaker and the majority leader for three months.

The motion, which was unanimously adopted, was seconded by Eric Oharisi (Ughelli North II).

After the assembly’s session, the new speaker and other members proceeded to government house to meet with Ifeanyi Okowa, the state governor.

A representative of Sapele constituency for a third time, Igbuya emerged the speaker of the sixth state assembly on June 8, 2015.

Until his emergence, he was the majority leader of the assembly.

Igbuya was elected alongside Friday Osanebi, the former deputy chief whip, representing Ndokwa east constituency, as deputy speaker.

In his acceptance speech as speaker, Igbuya said his experience over the years would be handy in leading the house.