Serious Tension in Imo

•Lawmakers move to impeach deputy governor
•Agbaso’s office under lock; I’ve not resigned, he says

From Ezeh Pietro, Owerri

An uneasy calm yesterday pervaded the Government House, Owerri, the Imo State capital as the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha allegedly directed security operatives to lock up the office of his deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso. The state House of Assembly is currently probing Agbaso over alleged N450 million road contract scam following a petition by the construction company, Jebros Nigeria Ltd.

The contractor alleged that he gave the said gratification to the deputy governor when he doubled as the state commissioner for works with a promise to secure more contracts. Saturday Sun authoritatively gathered that Governor Okorocha and his deputy had shouting bout last Wednesday when the governor tried to prevent him (Agbaso) from attending the state Executive council meeting at the Government House, Owerri. Okorocha, who felt embarrassed ordered the security operatives to lock up the office of his deputy.

When Saturday Sun visited the office complex of the deputy governor yesterday, the building was under lock and key as his aides were seen roaming around the compound. An impeccable source confided in Saturday Sun that the embattled governor had already vacated his official residence at the new Owerri. However, an aide to Agbaso told our correspondent that the deputy governor was considering throwing in the towel yesterday, as the state legislature was hell bent to impeach him. Following the allegation, the state Assembly set up a six-man impeachment committee led by Chief Simeon Iwunze (Isiala Mbano), which had already submitted its report to the House.

The House after a marathon sitting on Thursday that entered into the night expressly served the embattled deputy governor with an impeachment notice. The impeachment notice was signed by 10 members of the House out of 27 legislators, including Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma (Ahiazu Mbaise), Donatus Ozoemena (Oru West), Luke Chukwu (Ohaji/Egbema), Eudora Igwe (Ideato North), Emeka Nwaofor (Ngor-Okpala), Ikechukwu Amuka (Ideato South) Dan Ndubuaka (Orlu), Acho Ihim (Okigwe), Victor Mere (Owerri Municipal) and Ndunagu (Mbaitoli). Meanwhile, Police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and other security personnel had been stationed in various locations in Owerri to avoid possible breakdown of law and order.