by Stanley Azuakola
In some countries, being able to go out for a drink with your staff (like US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton), or  get to work in the morning using the same sort of transportation that your constituents do (like London’s Mayor, Boris Johnson) is a sign of a leader in tune with his/her people. For Ebonyi State House of Assembly member Lilian Igwe, it means being disciplined by your colleagues.

Ms. Lilian Igwe was recently suspended from the state house of assembly for liking alcohol, a bit too much and deciding to side with the common man and ride motorised tricycles (Keke Marwa in Lagos, Keke NAPEP in other states) to work.

According to her colleagues, who seriously frown at Igwe, her conduct is affecting their overall dignity and she ought to be disciplined for bringing the house to disrepute.

The motion for her suspension was moved by the member representing Afikpo South East, Blase Orji, who said that Hon. Igwe had been seen on several occasions drinking into a state of stupor and then vomiting on herself. He said her actions has brought the house to ridicule because not only does she “engage in excessive alcohol drinking, she also boards commercial tricycles, popularly called keke NAPEP, to the house, thereby not carrying herself as an honourable member.”

The motion was seconded by Christian Ursulor (PDP, Ezza South), after which the speaker of the House, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku put it up for voting. It was unanimously adopted by the members.

Hon Linda Igwe (PDP), who represents Ivo Constituency in the House, was absent from plenary. She however refuted the claims, saying that it was all in the “members’ imaginations”.