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The Abia State House of Assembly, on yesterday, commenced impeachment moves against the Deputy Governor, Chris Akomas.

The impeachment notice, which was
brought under ‘matter of urgent public importance’ by the member
representing Aba Central, Uzor Azubuike, was signed by 21 out of the
24-member legislature. The notice accused Mr. Akomas of gross
misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office. In the
six point allegation of misconduct, Mr. Akomas “has since May, 2010,
willfully and consistently absented himself from office and duty
without any lawful excuse or permission.”

Disrespect and fraud

In addition, the petition alleged that
the deputy governor refused to attend the official ceremony held in the
state Executive Council Chambers Government House, Umuahia, in May
2010, for the signing of the Abia State Appropriation law 2010, after
he was invited. He was also accused of failing to show up to receive
the Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, who was accompanied by
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a respected Igbo leader on July 2 ,2010.

The notice, which was dated July 7, 2010, also accused him of
converting public funds to personal use. “That Comrade Akomas, as
Deputy Governor of Abia State, between January 2009 and March 2010,
unlawfully converted public funds to his personal use by causing and
directing proceeds from official cheques meant for government work to
be paid into his private bank account,” stated the notice. Mr. Akomas
was also accused of stating publicly that the only achievement of the
Abia State government in the past three years was in the field of
cocoa. The lawmakers also stated that he allegedly said that the office
of the deputy governor is only a spare tyre, and also abbused his
office “when as a result of amorous relationships with staff of his
office, his wife, Uchechi Chris Akomas, engaged a female staff in
physical combat thereby bringing the state government to ridicule.” The
legislators prayed the Speaker to direct Mr. Akomas to respond to the
charges brought against him. However, political analysts in the state
say the move is not a surprise considering that Mr. Akomas did not join
his boss, Theodore Orji, in defecting to the APGA. </