‘It’s uncivilised allegation’ — Imo speaker denies receiving bribe to remove deputy

Paul Emeziem, speaker of Imo house of assembly, has denied receiving $300,000 to facilitate the removal of his deputy, Amara Iwuanyanwu, from office. 

TheCable had reported how Iwuanyanwu was removed from office on Tuesday at a plenary session after Ekene Nnodim, lawmaker representing Orlu state constituency, presented a petition.

The petition was signed by 18 out of the 27 lawmakers of the Imo assembly.

Subsequently, a rumour emerged that the speaker received $300,000 to remove Iwuanyanwu.

But reacting in a statement issued by Collins Osuji, his chief press secretary, Emeziem described the allegation as shameful.

The speaker also denied inducing the house members with N10 million each to facilitate Iwuanyanwu’s removal.

“The Speaker as the chief servant of the House, as required by ethics and laws guiding the state Assembly, only made the pronouncement after acknowledging that the resolution received endorsement of the far majority of the House members,” the statement reads.

“The Speaker was bounded by the law to respect the decision of the majority of the House which he presides over.
Even as we acknowledge the pains and humiliation the decision may have caused the affected person, but going to the media to misinform the general public in attempt to dent the good image of the Speaker was uncalled for, uncivilized and shameful

“The Speaker also want use this opportunity to once again reiterate his unalloyed loyalty and support for the governor and leader of his party, His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodinma even as he promised to remain resolute in his determination to offer effective representation and leadership services to his constituents and the entire good people of Imo.”