Chief Kennedy Njoku, the ninth Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, has resigned his appointment, less than 24 hours after he was elected.

Njoku was elected on Thursday following the impeachment of Chief Martins Azubuike over alleged gross financial misconduct and autocratic leadership style.

Njoku, announced his resignation at the resumption of plenary at about 2.50 pm on Friday, thanked members for the confidence they reposed in him by electing him as Speaker.

Njoku however promised, to continue to provide effective representation to his Osisioma-Ngwa State Constituency.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Cosmos Ndukwe, who presided over the session, reacting to the resignation, described Njoku’s resignation as “shocking. The Clerk of the House, Mr John-Pedro Irokansi, immediately called for the conduction of a new election to fill the vacuum created by Njoku’s resignation.
The member representing Umuahia East Constituency, Mr Chukwudi Apugo, nominated Mr Chikwendu Kalu, representing Isialangwa South Constituency, and was seconded by Mr Ifeanyi Uchendu, representing Ohafia South Constituency.

Kalu was elected by consensus and affirmed with a voice vote by the 24 members of the assembly.

Following the election, Kalu, emerged the tenth Speaker of the sixth Abia Assembly.