A subterranean motive to clandestinely impeach the incumbent Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Ekpoma, Hon Collins Aigbogun and his Vice, Hon. Alegbe Innocent, has been uncovered.
It was learnt that the plot was orchestrated by one suspended Councillor representing Ward 3 of the Esan West Local Government council on Thursday, 16th January, 2024 at the legislative chambers.
Disclosing this in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West local government on Friday in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, said that their attention has been drawn to an illegal impeachment plot.
Explaining how the plot was uncovered, revealed that “some unidentified persons had concealed their facial identity and captured on camera at the scene of action.
Noting that a reliable source confirmed the presence of one Mr. Ebhodaghe Blessing and Mrs. Ebhodaghe Mercy both of Illeh community of Ward 10, behind the plan.
It would be recalled that the Esan West legislative council, under the leadership of Hon. Collin Idiakheua issued a press statement, stating explicitly the indefinite postponement of her legislative plenary undersigned by respective honorable members of the council.
Therefore, the Chief Press Secretary noted that “It’s pertinent to state that the act of impersonation so committed by Mr. Ebhodaghe Blessing and Mrs. Ebhodaghe Mercy is a criminal offense under the Nigerian law as contained in Section 484 of the criminal code.
According to this section, it was revealed, “Any person who, with intent to defraud any person, falsely represents himself to be some other person(s), living or dead, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three (3) years.”
By implication, this implies that the action of Mr. Ebhodaghe Blessing and Mrs Ebhodaghe Mercy which involved falsely representing themselves as elected councillors, constitute a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment, the Chief Press Secretary stated.
Reiterating further, he noted that “The defense of illegality, as encapsulated in the principle – “ex turpi causa non oritur actio” – (from a dishonourable cause, an action does not arise), is also relevant in this case. This doctrine asserts that a plaintiff cannot seek legal remedies if their claim is rooted in illegal conduct.
Finally he added, “the impeachment attempt made by Hon. Godsent Aigboibo and his cohorts is null and void. The law is clear and due legal action shall be taken.
In the interim, the Executive Chairman, Esan West Local Government area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun has called for calm while suing for peace.
He called on all citizens to go about their lawful businesses stating that “Illegality cannot thrive as the law cannot suffer a lose without a remedy.”
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