Posted by The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Umuahia has fired three House of Representatives members from the Labour Party (LP), Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Emeka Nnamani, and Munachim Alozie.
They were removed on Monday after the panel agreed with the petitioners’ claims.
Ibe Okwara Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/ Ohafia Federal Constituency on the LP platform, was removed from the House by a tribunal led by Justice Adeyinka Adegberegbe, which ruled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Daniel Chimezie Okeke, was able to prove his petition that Osonwa’s election did not comply with the rule of law.
As a result, the tribunal ruled APC candidate Daniel Chimezie Okeke the winner and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the certificate of return granted to Ibe Okwara Osonwa and issue a new one to Okeke of the APC.
In addition, Emeka Nnamani, the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, was expelled from the Green Chambers, and Alex Mascot of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was pronounced the winner.
The tribunal agreed with the petition brought before it by Alex Mascot of the APGA, in which the petitioner raised concerns about Emeka Nnamani’s academic credentials.
The election tribunal overturned Munachim Alozie of the Labour Party (LP)’s victory in the Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, ordering INEC to have a re-run election within 90 days.
The panel concluded that Munachim Alozie’s margin of victory was too thin in comparison to the number of disenfranchised voters during the February 25 election.
The tribunal’s decisions aroused celebration in Daniel Chimezie Okeke’s hometown of Ututu, Arochukwu LGA.
However, Emeka Nnamani and Ibe Okwara Osonwa have reassured their constituents that they will take steps to keep their seats.