The Ezinihite Mbaise Legislative Council has indefinitely suspended the Vice Chairman of the local government, Prince Matthew Igbokwe, over alleged involvement in armed robbery in Lagos.
Prince Igbokwe was last week arrested by the Lagos State Police Command over alleged involvement in a car stealing syndicate. According to Lagos Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the LG Vice Chairman was undergoing investigation.
The Ezinihite Mbaise Legislative Council has now suspended the LG Vice Chairman indefinitely and served him a seven-day impeachment notice.
The suspension was announced on Monday, April 13 based on the allegations of misconduct, which include; persistent absenteeism from official duties, unauthorised travels outside Imo State without permission from the council and alleged involvement in armed robbery and other criminal activities, evidenced by his reported arrest and detention by the Lagos State Police Command.
Prince Igbokwe was also accused of bringing shame and ridicule to the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Executive Chairman of Ezinihite Mbaise LGA, Hon. Sir Ambrose Chinedum Nwachukwu, and the good people of Imo State through “odious activities unbecoming of a person occupying such an exalted office.”
The motion for the suspension was moved by the Chief Whip, Hon. Ajaa Echezolachi (representing Onicha Ward IV), supported by Deputy Leader Hon. Steven Echeta (Eziudo Ward 8), and seconded by Majority Leader Hon. Vincent Kelechi Egwurugwu (Amumara Ward 1). It was unanimously adopted by all members present.
Rt. Hon. Deaconess Mbechi Benson, Leader of the Council described the action as necessary to protect the image of Ezinihite Mbaise people and the 3R Government of Governor Uzodimma. She said the Council acted in line with the Imo State Local Government Administration Law No. 6 of 2022 (as amended).