The Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area in Imo State, Prince Obioha Ndukwe, has categorically refuted circulating reports that the Leader of the Legislative Council, Kennedy Egeonu, was impeached and replaced. He labeled the story as baseless and urged the public to ignore it.
During a press briefing, Ndukwe addressed the political stir and public concern triggered by the unfounded reports, which claimed that Emeka Ekere had been sworn in as the new council leader. He clarified that no such impeachment has taken place, emphasizing that the executive arm has not received any formal notification regarding the alleged change in leadership.
The chairman stressed that altering legislative leadership cannot be achieved through rumors or unofficial declarations but must follow due process and established legal frameworks. He pointed out that the spread of unverified information has caused unnecessary confusion among residents and political stakeholders in the area.
Ndukwe called on those circulating such reports to desist from actions that could undermine peace and stability in the council. He reiterated that his administration remains committed to governance and development, focusing on road rehabilitation, security enhancement, market development, and education.
He also advised councilors and political actors to prioritize their official responsibilities and avoid actions that could deepen divisions. Political disagreements, he said, should be resolved through lawful and democratic means, without compromising public trust or established procedures.
Commenting on the political climate ahead of the September 2026 local council elections, the chairman urged that political ambitions be pursued with restraint and respect for due process. He emphasized that performance and service delivery should be the basis for political support, not crisis-driven maneuvers.
Ndukwe highlighted the existing zoning arrangement, which mandates leadership rotation between the Ihitte and Uboma blocs, as a key factor for political stability. Under this arrangement, the Uboma bloc is expected to produce the next executive chairman—a development he urged stakeholders to respect.
The chairman appealed to traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s associations, and political leaders to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions over unverified claims. He urged citizens to rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information and affirmed that the executive and legislative arms will continue to work together without disruption. Ndukwe concluded by reiterating that Kennedy Egeonu remains the duly recognized Leader of the Legislative Council.