BIG FEAR as tribunal sacks more Labour Party’s House of Reps members

Three House of Representatives members, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Emeka Nnamani, and Munachim Alozie, all affiliated with the Labour Party (LP), have been unseated from the National Assembly by the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal convened in Umuahia.

Ibe Okwara Osonwa’s Removal: Ibe Okwara Osonwa, the representative of the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency under the banner of the LP, was dethroned by the tribunal, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Adegberegbe. The tribunal ruled in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Daniel Chimezie Okeke, who had lodged a petition asserting that Osonwa’s election did not adhere to the rule of law. Consequently, the tribunal declared Daniel Chimezie Okeke as the rightful winner and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke Osonwa’s certificate of return, replacing it with one for Okeke of the APC.

Emeka Nnamani’s Ouster: Emeka Nnamani, the representative of Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, faced a similar fate as the tribunal upheld the petition filed by Alex Mascot of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). The petition centered on doubts regarding Nnamani’s academic qualifications, and the tribunal concurred with the petitioner’s concerns. Consequently, Alex Mascot of APGA was declared the victor.

Munachim Alozie’s Victory Nullified: In Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, the tribunal nullified Munachim Alozie’s triumph under the Labour Party (LP) and called for a re-run election to be conducted by INEC within 90 days. The tribunal’s decision was grounded in the belief that Alozie’s margin of victory was too slim when juxtaposed with the number of voters who were disenfranchised during the February 25 election.

These landmark rulings have sparked jubilation among supporters of Daniel Chimezie Okeke in Ututu, Arochukwu LGA.

Reactions from Ousted Representatives: Despite their ouster, Emeka Nnamani and Ibe Okwara Osonwa have called for calm among their constituents. They have vowed to take necessary steps to contest the tribunal’s decisions and strive to retain their seats in the House of Representatives. The political landscape in these constituencies remains dynamic as these representatives seek to navigate the legal avenues available to them.