The Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Emmanuel Onuche, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Onuche is alleged to have engaged in actions capable of tarnishing the image of the state government and was asked to step aside pending an investigation into the claims.
During Wednesday’s plenary at the Assembly complex in Lokoja, lawmakers argued that his continue stay in office could obstruct an impartial probe into the allegations.
“The House cannot overlook actions that undermine public trust and the integrity of governance,” Speaker Aliyu Yusuf declared during the session.
The Speaker constituted a five-member committee, headed by Bode Ogunmola, member representing Ogori-Magongo, to investigate the allegations against Onuche.
Other committee members include Ishaya Adeleye (Ijumu), Asema Haruna (Adavi), Anthony Ujah (Olamaboro), and Bin-Ebaiya Tijani (Lokoja I), while Muhammed Bello will serve as committee clerk.
The House has given the committee one month to complete its assignment and report back for necessary action.
Meanwhile, the Speaker directed Onuche to immediately hand over the affairs of the council to his deputy, Victoria Okolo, pending the outcome of the investigation.
