The Majority Leader of the Udenu Local Government Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Sunday Emeka Onah, has officially addressed the press regarding the impeachment of the former Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odoh. Speaking at a press conference held at the Legislative Council Hall in Obollo Afor, Onah detailed the reasons behind the Council’s decision, emphasizing that it was a necessary step to restore legislative integrity and accountability.
Rt. Hon. Patrick O. Ugwu
The new Leader of Udenu Legislative Council with other Councilors at Udenu Chairman’s Office
Onah described the impeachment, which took place on March 11, 2025, as a well-considered action following serious allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and attempts to sabotage the legislative—executive relationship within the Udenu Local Government.
The Majority Leader admitted that the Council had made an error in judgment by entrusting Nnamdi Odoh with leadership despite his past record of betraying legislative trust. He revealed that during their first tenure, Odoh’s leadership was characterized by collusion with the Executive, which ultimately rendered the Legislature powerless and led to stagnation in development across the wards.
“Instead of championing the interests of his fellow councilors, he became a tool for oppression, intimidating those who questioned his actions,” Onah said. “We had hoped for a change after his apology, but it became clear that a leopard does not change its spots. His arrogance and self-aggrandizement only worsened, bringing dishonor to this chamber.”
One of the key issues that led to Odoh’s impeachment was his attempt to incite conflict between the Legislative and Executive arms of government. Onah explained that Odoh falsely accused the Executive Chairman of Udenu Local Government, Aka Eze Aka, of misrepresenting the length of the Ukwu Akpu—Ozo Ji—New Makurdi Road project to embezzle public funds.
The Majority Leader clarified that an independent review of contract papers and budget documents confirmed the road’s accurate measurement at 600 meters, debunking Odoh’s claims as a deliberate act of misinformation.
“This was nothing short of legislative sabotage—an attempt to discredit the Executive Chairman and mislead the public,” Onah stated. “However, the truth remains that the Aka Eze Aka-led administration has demonstrated transparency and inclusiveness, with a clear vision for development.”
Another damning allegation against the former Leader of the House was his public statements, which Onah described as reckless and unverified. He recounted that Odoh falsely claimed in media interviews that councilors in Enugu State were the least remunerated in Nigeria.
“His statements on Solid FM and Afia TV were not only false but also embarrassing to the Legislative Council,” Onah said. “Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has clear plans to improve the welfare of councilors, yet Odoh deliberately misrepresented our collective position for personal gain.”
The press briefing also exposed financial misconduct by the impeached leader. According to Onah, Odoh diverted allowances meant for the Clerk of the House and the Sergeant-at-Arms, keeping the bulk of the funds for himself while giving them meager sums.
Additionally, his conduct outside the legislative chamber was called into question. “He was frequently seen engaging in public drunkenness at street beer parlors in Obollo Afor, tarnishing the reputation of this council,” Onah alleged.
Following the impeachment, the Legislative Council unanimously elected Rt. Hon. Patrick O. Ugwu from Amalla Ward as the new Leader of the House. Onah described Ugwu as a man of integrity with the legislative experience needed to steer the council in the right direction.
The new Leader was formally presented to the Executive Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, and has since assumed office. The Majority Leader assured the people of Udenu that the council remains committed to good governance and will work closely with the Executive to ensure the progress of the local government.
Concluding the press briefing, Onah reaffirmed the council’s support for the Executive Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah’s administration. He vowed that the Legislative Council would no longer allow personal interests to derail governance and development in Udenu.
“We remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he declared. “The era of selfish leadership is over.”
The impeachment of Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odoh marks a significant political shift in Udenu Local Government, signaling the Council’s renewed commitment to accountability and effective governance.
