Mr. Martin Okonta (Ika South LGA) elected speaker of Delta State

The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday impeached its Speaker, Dr. Olisa Imegwu and his deputy, Chief Funkekeme Solomon. Moving the motion for their removal from office, which 20 of the 29 members of the Assembly supported, Mr. Sam Obi, representing Ika North East Constituency, alleged that in the past few months there had been a strained working relationship between the former Speaker and his deputy, a situation, which he stressed, had affected deliberations in the House. He also alleged that Imegwu had been leaking House committee reports to the press even before members were able to see them. Mr. Benjamin Efekodo, representing Isoko South Constituency, seconded the motion. Consequently, the Assembly elected Mr. Martin Okonta, representing Ika South Constituency, as new Speaker while Mr. Basil Ganagana of Patani Constituency emerged Deputy Speaker. The lawmakers also passed a resolution suspending Imegwu and Solomon from the House for three months.