Enugu Impeachment Panel denies journalists Access

The 7-man impeachment panel probing the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, yesterday, refused to allow journalists to cover its proceedings.

The Chairman of the panel, Mr. Oraekeyi Uche Franklin had on Thursday asked journalists to leave the court, a move that was opposed by Counsel to the Deputy Go Onyebuchi, Mr. Chris Aghanwa but the panel later allowed the journalists to witness the proceedings for that day.

However, the situation was not the same om Friday when the journalists returned for it’s sitting, they were chased away from the court by stern-looking mobile policemen stationed at the venue entrance.

'Yes, you were allowed yesterday, (Thursday), but there is a fresh order that you should leave this place', said a police sergeant who stopped the journalists at the door.

Also speaking, a court official said, 'you people should get out of here; see the havoc you caused because you were allowed yesterday'. He was apparently referring to the media reports of the Deputy Governor's interview after Thursday sitting.

Nevertheless, the panel continued its hearing with cross-examination of the Chief Medical Director, Government House Clinic on the poultry operated by the embattled Deputy Governor.

Also, the commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory Development, Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede and the Chief Protocol Officer, Enugu Government House were expected to testify against Onyebuchi.

The Deputy Governor, who was also in the court, is expected to open his defence after the State Assembly's witnesses.

It is unlikely whether any member of the Enugu State House of Assembly will stand as a witness against Onyebuchi as none of them has been spotted around the court.