The Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, has warned councillors in the council against actions capable of plunging the local government into crisis, stressing that lawlessness and disregard for due process will not be tolerated.
Esewezie issued the warning on Monday in Akwukwu-Igbo while receiving the newly elected leadership of the legislative arm of the council. He condemned the use of force and other illegal methods reportedly employed in the recent removal of the former Leader of the House, describing the incident as unfortunate and damaging to the image of the council.
According to the chairman, councillors must always operate within the provisions of the law and established regulations guiding local government administration, noting that peace, orderliness and due diligence are critical to effective governance.
He emphasised that the shared responsibility of both the executive and legislative arms is to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Oshimili North, rather than engage in actions that could breed instability.
“Our task is to bring development and improve the welfare of our people. Rascality and violation of regulations will not be tolerated,” Esewezie said, as he pledged to work with the new leadership of the legislature to ensure peace and sustainable development across the local government area.
Earlier, while presenting the new Leader of the Legislative Arm, Mr. Henry Olowo, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Benedict Agboje, tendered an apology to the chairman, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other stakeholders over what he described as unprofessional conduct during the sitting of December 11.
Agboje explained that the former Leader, Mr. Chris Nwamgbor, was removed over alleged inconsistency and failure to adhere to the rules of the House, adding that such incidents would not recur as all legislative activities would henceforth strictly follow laid-down procedures.
He also announced other principal officers elected alongside Olowo as Mrs. Augustina Odogwu (Deputy Leader), Mr. Patrick Nwankwor (Majority Leader), Mr. Paul Okai (Deputy Majority Leader), Mr. Okocha Onyeisi (Chief Whip) and Mr. Cyril Ufo (Minority Leader).
In his acceptance speech, Olowo reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles and the protection of legislative independence, assuring constituents of quality representation and development-driven legislation aimed at promoting good governance in Oshimili North.