Majority Leader of the Ukwuani 8th Assembly, Gabriel Otunuya Ibobo, has defended the actions of the council leadership, insisting that governance should be guided by procedure rather than confrontation.
He exercised his right of reply during an interview on ARISE News on Saturday following allegations made by suspended councillor Victor Chukwemeka.
Ibobo dismissed the allegations levelled against the council and argued that the issues stemmed from political disagreements within the legislative arm rather than concerns over accountability.
According to the Majority Leader, the dispute dates back to the inauguration of the assembly in July 2024 when principal positions in the House were being filled.
“The source of the battle is purely from the fact that he wanted to be given one of the principal officers, six principal officers of the house.”
“He was vying for one of them and he needed to be the deputy leader, but he was not given.”
“From that very day, the battle started.”
Ibobo maintained that members have the right to raise concerns but insisted that such concerns must be pursued through established procedures.
“He has the right, but it should be procedural.”
“My idea behind governance is all about procedures and lobby. It’s not about battle.”
He criticised the suspended councillor’s decision to approach the courts instead of first engaging the legislative process available within the House.
“We woke up one morning and then all we could hear was that he has gone to court.”
The Majority Leader also defended the suspension of Chukwuemeke, saying the action was taken in accordance with the House Standing Orders following alleged attempts to remove the leadership of the council legislature.
“We suspended him for gross misconduct.”
“The first suspension was the fact that he started canvassing for votes on an arrangement to unseat the leadership of the house.”
“He was making the move. We have evidences.”
Ibobo said efforts were made to resolve the matter internally and through political interventions, but alleged that the actions continued after the councillor returned.
“The second time was also the same thing.”
The Majority Leader revealed that he had privately advised Chukwuemeke to return to the House and resolve the matter through established procedures.
“I told him that the way you are going about all these issues, you are not procedural.”
“Go back to the house. You are an elected councillor for crying out loud.”
“Go back to the house. Apologise to the house because you are wrong.”
Ibobo urged political actors within the local government to move beyond election disputes and focus on governance and service delivery.
“We have gone past the era of election. It is governance time.”
He reiterated that governance should not be reduced to conflict and political battles.
“Governance is procedural. It’s not about battles.”
“Our people need us. The entire Ukwuani community needs us to do justice to what we have promised and that we will do.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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