New Abia speaker resigns after 24 hours in office

Kennedy Njoku who was sworn in as speaker of the Abia state house of assembly on Thursday, December 29, has resigned his appointment on personal grounds.

Njoku’s resignation comes less than 24 hours after he was elected speaker after the incumbent, Martins Martins Azubuike, was impeached by 20 of the 24 lawmakers in the Assembly.

The Cable reports that Njoku announced his resignation at the resumption of plenary on Friday, December 30, after he thanked members for their confidence in electing him speaker.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker resigns

He promised to continue providing effective representation to his Osisioma-Ngwa state constituency.

Njoku’s resignation came as a surprise to Cosmos Ndukwe, deputy speaker, who described the resignation as shocking.

To fill the vacuum created by Njoku’s resignation, John-Pedro Irokansi, clerk of the house, immediately called for an election to be conducted.

Chukwudi Apugo, member representing Umuahia east constituency, nominated Chikwendu Kalu, representing Isialangwa south constituency; he was seconded by Ifeanyi Uchendu, representing Ohafia south constituency.

READ ALSO: Buhari, Saraki in another closed-door meeting in Aso Rock

Kalu was elected by consensus and was affirmed with a voice vote by the 24 members of the assembly.

With his election, Kalu, an Aba-based legal practitioner, emerged the 10th Speaker of the sixth Abia Assembly.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have said former speaker, Martins Azubuike was impeached over financial recklessness.

A member of the Assembly, Akpulonu Solomon also told Channels TV that Honourable Azubuike refused to carry his colleagues along in the business of the house, which contributed to his impeachment.

Source: Legit.ng