Impeachment: I’m innocent, Enugu dep gov insists •Vows to defend his reputation, integrity

EMBATTLED deputy governor of Enugu State, Sunday Onyebuchi, on Thursday, said his ongoing trial by a panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge, Innocent Umezulike, to investigate the two-count charge of misconduct in office and disrespect to constituted authority levelled against him by members of the state House of Assembly is a trial of democracy.
He said he would triumph at the end.
Responding to reporters’ question shortly after appearing before the Oreakiyi Panel, Mr Onyebuchi, who had gone underground since the impeachment saga began, restated his innocence to the allegations, saying it was important for him to defend his hard-earned reputation and integrity.
Speaking philosophically, the deputy governor said: “I believe that eventually, I will triumph, because the most important thing is that there is court of man, there is panel of man, but there is also the court of God, where nobody can change the truth. The God who sees what is hidden will also give His own verdict at the appropriate time.”
Onyebuchi, who was accompanied by his wife, Nneka, further said “it is true that I am standing trial, but also want to say that democracy and justice are on trial. And I also want to say that the integrity of all those involved, including the panel members are on trial.
“I believe that no matter how we were able to fabricate lies, try to manipulate truth and embellish what happened and what did not happen, eventually, if not now, the truth will triumph over falsehood.
“I have not committed any crime and it is better to defend and protect my hard-earned reputation and integrity. It is more important to me than the office of the deputy governor. I do not mind losing the office, but let the public know that I did not commit any crime.
“I did not commit any offence to justify my being removed, though I am prepared for being removed in the process of letting people know the truth.”
Still wondering why he is being crucified, the deputy governor stated: “Let you people— the journalists, people of Enugu State and Nigerians be the judge of how honourable the honourable members have been in this mater.
“I do not want to start saying things about them, but you people and the people of Enugu State are in a position to judge how honourable they have been.”
He, however, commended members of the panel for listening to his lawyer, who protested the attempt by the panel to bar journalists from covering the proceedings of the panel.
Meanwhile, the sitting of the panel was adjourned till Friday, following the granting of the application for adjournment by the deputy governor’s lawyer, Christopher Anyanwa.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Lands, Dr Chukwuemeka Ujam, the clerk of the state House of Assembly, Christopher Chukwurah and the Medical Director, Government House Medical Centre, Enugu, Dr Anthony Ogbonna, were cross-examined after giving evidence to the case, respectively.