The Leader of the Legislative Council in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Ejike Williams, has issued an official statement explaining the events surrounding the recent dispute involving council member Nkemjika.
The clarification was released to address concerns among stakeholders and residents regarding the developments within the council chambers.
The statement revealed that Hon. Nkemjika had earlier been suspended by the Legislative Council for two months January and February 2026 over alleged misconduct.
According to the council leadership, the suspension was issued without salary payments, and one of the key conditions for the lawmaker’s return to legislative activities was the submission of a formal written apology to the House.
However, when the suspension period expired, the council member reportedly appeared during a legislative sitting without presenting the required apology letter. The council leadership stated that he was politely reminded of the earlier resolution and asked to comply with the directive before participating in proceedings. Instead of submitting the letter, he allegedly declined to follow the instruction and walked out of the session shortly after it began.
The statement further explained that after leaving the sitting, the council member demanded payment of salaries for the two months he spent under suspension. This demand was rejected by the council leadership because the earlier resolution clearly stated that the suspension would be without pay. During the disagreement, he was also accused of making remarks that suggested possible disruption if his demands were not met.
Another issue raised in the statement concerned a Legacy Project solar lighting initiative meant for his ward. The council leadership noted that Hon. Nkemjika had been instructed not to proceed with the installation or collection of the solar lights allocated to the project until he formally regularized his position with the House by submitting the apology letter. Despite the directive, the leadership claimed the instruction was ignored.
According to the council leader, the situation escalated when Hon. Nkemjika allegedly returned to the council premises with armed individuals after leaving earlier. The group was reportedly accused of attempting to disrupt the legislative proceedings and create disorder within the Assembly environment.
In response to the situation, the council leadership said security personnel were immediately alerted to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The leader explained that the police were contacted as a precautionary step to ensure the safety of council members, staff, and members of the public within the premises.
Williams emphasized that the decision to involve law enforcement was strictly a preventive security measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the Legislative Council and maintaining peace within the council complex.
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He reaffirmed that the Legislative Council in Ikwuano Local Government Area remains committed to upholding discipline, order, and the rule of law while carrying out its responsibilities.