Lawmakers Move to Impeach Abia Speaker, Deputy Over Alleged Misappropriation of London Trip Funds

A major crisis is brewing in the Abia State House of Assembly as members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus have reportedly begun moves to impeach Speaker Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and his deputy, Hon. Augustine Meregini, over alleged diversion of funds meant for a recent state-sponsored trip to London.

Tensions reportedly escalated after some members accused the Speaker, his deputy, and the Majority Leader of withholding a large portion of the trip funds. Sources said only about 40 percent of the money released was shared among the members, prompting heated exchanges that required hotel security intervention.

Following the incident, several aggrieved lawmakers have vowed to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Speaker and other principal officers for alleged misconduct and misappropriation of public funds upon their return to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the development followed a violent altercation among LP lawmakers during a caucus meeting held at the Aba residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama (Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency). The meeting, sources said, turned chaotic after the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu (Arochukwu Constituency), allegedly attacked the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye (Aba Central Constituency), with a beer bottle.

Ucheonye reportedly sustained a deep head wound and was rushed to a nearby private clinic for treatment. The fracas was said to have erupted over the sharing of money allegedly given to the lawmakers by Governor Alex Otti as an appreciation for the speedy passage of the 2025 supplementary budget.

In a message to the governor, Ucheonye wrote:

“Good evening, Your Excellency. This is a wound I sustained from the Majority Leader for trying to voice my opinion on issues bordering on the committee I chair during our caucus meeting today at Aba.”

Despite his injury, Ucheonye later joined his colleagues on the controversial London trip, which reportedly cost taxpayers nearly ₦1 billion. The lawmakers, who allegedly flew first class and lodged at the Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, Croydon, were said to have engaged in another round of confrontation abroad.