By Chinenyeh Ozor

Nsukka — Embattled Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Mr. Bonaventure Onuh and his Vice, Mr. Celestine Ezeugwu, have been impeached for alleged gross misconduct and embezzlement of public funds.

They were impeached yesterday by 16 out of the 20 councillors  of the  legislative arm of the council, following the recommendations of a seven- man panel  headed by Nestor Ezeme, set up by the Chief  Judge of Enugu State.

Announcing the impeachment of the duo, the leader of the legislative council Onyekachi Ugwu, who the house mandated to  take over the administration of the council on acting capacity, ordered the impeached chairman and his vice to hand  over property of the council in their possession with immediate effect.

According to Ugwu, “pursuant to S. 8 (14) of the local government law (cap 109) laws of Enugu state, we the undersigned councilors of Igbo-Eze North local government area hereby adopt the report of the seven man impeached panel set up by Hon. Chief judge of Enugu State and impeached the Chairman of Igbo-Eze Norh LGA Mr. Bonaventure Onu and vice Chairman Celestine Ezeugwu. The above public officers hereby stand impeached.”

According to the seven-man panel report, “ pursuant to section [14] of the local government law, cap 109, laws of Enugu State 16 out of 20 councillors of Igbo-Eze North LGA alleged several offences bordering on  embezzlement of funds, abuse of office among others against the Chairman and Vice- Chairman Mr. Bonaventure  Onu and Hon. Celestine Ezeugwu respectively. The impeachment notice dated November 25, 2014 accused the two of misappropriations and embezzlement of local government funds.”

The chairman and his vice were sent packing for among others, alleged non-implementation of 2014 budget of N 751,339.00 billion, none payment of approved compensation to Eke Ozzi land owners of N 70,000.000 and N 237,203.985 approved for grading  reconstruction of roads and bridges, the  said cash was retired  while nothing was recorded as the job done.