By Lucky Uto
The Majority Leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm, Hon. Ese Agbobore representing the good people of Oteri and Otor-Iwhreko Wards has given a detailed account of the incident that led to chaos during the Council’s plenary sitting.
Speaking with members of the press, Hon. Agbogbore explained that the House had just resumed from its December recess and proceedings, and were initially peaceful until an unexpected disruption occurred.
“As we all know, anywhere two or three people are gathered, there is always the possibility of disagreement. However, today’s sitting was going on peacefully until a member stood up to raise a motion,” he said.
According to the Majority Leader, the motion in question failed to comply with established legislative procedures.
“He stood up to raise a motion, but as Majority Leader, I observed him. The motion was not seconded, and he later admitted that due process was not followed,” Agbobore stated.
Shortly after this observation the situation reportedly escalated beyond normal legislative disagreement.
“Before we knew it, hoodlums began entering the chamber. They were wearing different colours of clothing. I immediately picked up my phone to contact the DSS Director and the Area Commander to brief them on what was happening,” he disclosed.
The intruders, according to him, forcefully carted away the Mace, the symbol of legislative authority.
“These hoodlums took the symbol of authority of the House the mace and drove away with it. As I speak to you, we do not know who they are or where the mace is,” he added.
Hon. Agbobore firmly dismissed widespread claims linking the incident to the alleged impeachment of the Leader of the House.
“We have officially written to the Clerk of the House, the Area Commander, and the DSS to inform the public to disregard any information suggesting that the Leader of the House was impeached. That information is false,” he said.
He emphasized that impeachment is a constitutional process governed by laid-down procedures.
“This is a legislative setting, not a motor park. You don’t just wake up and remove a leader. For impeachment to occur, a motion must be properly raised on the floor, seconded, debated, and agreed upon by the House. None of these steps took place,” he explained.
Reacting to reports that 12 councillors allegedly signed an impeachment letter, the Majority Leader questioned the credibility of such claims.
“What we saw was only a photocopy of signatures. We did not hear directly from those members, and due process was never followed.
Signatures alone do not amount to impeachment,” he maintained.
Hon. Agbobore confirmed that the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Prosper Okajero, remains firmly in office.
“As we speak, the Leader is comfortably in his office attending to the issues of his constituents. The Clerk of the House is here. The Sergeant-at-Arms is here. There has been no impeachment,” he affirmed.
He further reiterated the unity and confidence of the House in its leadership and its cordial relationship with the Executive Arm.
“We are confident in the leadership of Rt. Hon. Prosper Okajero Kelly, the Leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm. For over one year, he has piloted the affairs of this House peacefully. We also enjoy a cordial working relationship with the Council Chairman, who prioritizes the welfare of councillors,” he said.
The Majority Leader suggested that the disruption may have been orchestrated by individuals opposed to progress within the council.
“Some people believe there are huge funds in the council and want to instigate violence. However, I have spoken with some of my colleagues involved, and I believe all issues will be resolved amicably,” he added.
Calling for calm and cooperation, Hon. Agbobore appealed to the public to assist security agencies in recovering the stolen mace.
“If anyone sees anybody moving around with the mace, they should immediately report to the Council Chairman or the police. That mace is the symbol of authority of this local government,” he urged.
