My Suspension Was A Total Abuse Of Due Process— Hon. Victor Chukwuemeke

By Clinton Nwachuku

The Councillor representing Ward 19 Ezhionum in the Ukwuani Legislative Arm, Hon. Victor Chukwuemeke, has said that his suspension failed to meet constitutional requirements.

Hon. Victor Chukwuemeke, who was sworn in on 18th July, 2024, after a well-deserved victory at the poll, made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with The Light Newspaper.

On why he was suspended, he recalled that on the day of the inauguration, he was confronted by the council chairman, Hon. Possible Ajede, about what people perceived as headship weakness and lack of emotional intelligence.

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He said that Hon. Possible Ajede stated during the inauguration exercise that they (the councillors) were appointed and not elected.

According to Hon. Chukwuemeke, principal officers were not duly elected by Councillors, but that they emerged through a rehearsed kangaroo process by the council chairman rather than following the due process of electing principal officers.

Displeased by the actions leading to the appointment of principal officers, he took to his Facebook and made a publication which he said was a general statement, not aiming at anyone, that he was misinterpreted as a victim.

“My messages on Facebook was a general statement about building bridges as a vital leadership tool. I never referred to the chairman, Hon. Barr. Possible Ajede. It was a genuine message that suggested going for peace rather than conflict”.

He hinted further that the chairman personalized the message, which laid the foundation for his illegal suspension.

“My suspension, as a matter of fact, was a total abuse of due process. During a plenary session in November, 2024, I was asked to explain the reason for my outburst, because of my health challenges, I collapsed on the floor of the legislative house and was rushed to the hospital, and immediately after that, I understand a motion for my suspension was moved and seconded. The Leader ruled and suspended my salary and other benefits, pending my return to explain the reason behind my outburst.”

Speaking further, Hon. Chukwuemeke accused the council chairman for interfering in the activities of the Legislative arm, which has rendered the legislative arm handicapped and rubber stamped.

He also accused the Chairman for instigating his colleagues against him.

He alleged that the 2025 budget presented by the chairman was a budget for another local government area and not for Ukwuani Local Government Area, which passed through first and second readings at the instance and instructions of the Chairman.

On what shall be done to ensure his suspension is lifted, Hon. Chukwuemeke disclosed that he is currently consulting to know the next line of action.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that since the Council Chairman doesnt want the legislative arm to function as it were, he said he has given the necessary agencies of Federal Government the nod to help the legislative arm to do the needful.

“I have written a petition to the Senate, EFCC, and ICPC for them to help the legislative arm in carrying out their functions. I stand for transparency in government.”

He lamented that his people, who overwhelmingly voted for him, have been shortchanged and denied of representation in the Council since he was suspended, which became indefinite on 30th January, 2025.

He, however, assured his people of justice at the end and enjoined them to remain calm and law-abiding.

Attempts to speak with the council chairman were unsuccessful at the time of publishing this report.