26th September, 2018
An Owerri High Court presided over by Justice Benjamin Iheaka on Tuesday nullified the impeachment of Imo Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere.
Iheaka, in his verdict, said the seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of Imo, Justice Pascal Nnadi, to investigate allegations against Madumere erred in its duty.
He said the panel did not comply with the provisions of Section 185 of the constitution in discharging its duties.
The judge also said the panel was constituted only after seven days prescribed by the constitution, making the panel illegal.
Iheaka urged the Imo government to immediately reinstate Madumere as deputy governor of the state.
In his reaction, counsel to Madumere, Ken Njemanze (SAN), thanked the judge for what he described as sound ruling.
He said the judgment would serve as deterrent to unlawful politicians in the country.
Madumere was impeached in August following indictment by the panel set up by Nnadi.
Madumere, however, challenged the report of the panel at the Imo High Court and urged the judge to nullify his impeachment
The decision of the court had, however, continued to generate reactions in the state.
A notable legal practitioner and human rights activist, Mrs Blessing Iweajunwa, said the decision of the court was well-deserved.
She advised politicians to always adhere strictly to court orders whether they were positive or negative.
The lawyer also commended the judge for taking a bold step in resolving the case.