***As Three Lawmakers Defect to APC
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Onuche, over allegations of gross misconduct, pending the outcome of an investigation.
The suspension was announced on Wednesday by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, during plenary. Yusuf said the decision was necessary to ensure a fair and unhindered investigation, noting that the chairman’s alleged actions had brought disrepute to the state government.
The Speaker directed Onuche to hand over the affairs of the council to the Vice Chairman, Hon. Victoria Okolo, until the conclusion of the inquiry.
To that effect, the House constituted a five-member committee chaired by Hon. Bode Ogunmola to probe the allegations and report back within one month. Other members include Hon. Ishaya Omotayo Adeleye (Ijumu); Hon. Asema Baba Haruna (Adavi); Hon. Anthony Ujah (Olamaboro); and Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani (Lokoja I), with Muhammed Bello serving as committee clerk.
Meanwhile, at the same plenary, three lawmakers announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). They are Hon. Bode Ogunmola (PDP – Ogori/Magongo), Hon. Sunday Daku (PDP – Bassa), and Hon. Idowu Ibikunle (ADC – Yagba East).
The defectors cited internal crises, leadership tussles, and prolonged stagnation within their former parties as reasons for their decision. They pledged to work with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to advance development across the state.
With the defections, the Kogi State House of Assembly is now entirely dominated by the APC, as all 25 members belong to the ruling party.
