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An Owerri High Court presided over by Justice A.O. H . Ukachukwu last Thursday ordered that the official car of the embattled chairman of Owerri Municipal Council, Mr. Vincent Ehirim be impounded. His trouble started when he flouted court's order to pay entitlements to former councilors which include accommodation, arrears of salary, furniture allowances among others.
An Owerri High Court presided over by Justice A.O. H . Ukachukwu last Thursday ordered that the official car of the embattled chairman of Owerri Municipal Council, Mr. Vincent Ehirim be impounded. His trouble started when he flouted court's order to pay entitlements to former councilors which include accommodation, arrears of salary, furniture allowances among others.
Daily Sun reports that four former councilors during the administration of Dr. Jachimike Adiele namely , Mr. Emeka Onuoha, Christian Nze, Christian Oparaugo and Veronica Echefu in a suit How/24/2004 took the council to court over non- payment of their entitlements and secured a judgment against the chairman of the council as well as municipal council.
The plaintiffs counsels, H.N.G . Amadi and Ugorji Amadi had prayed the court to pass judgment against the defendants for non-appearance and intention to defend. They pleaded with the court to enter judgment in favour of the plaintiffs in accordance with order 23 Rule 4 of the Imo State High Court Procedure Rules 1988,
The plaintiffs counsels urged the court to grant the following;"that the plaintiffs are entitled the sum of N5,831, 173, 39 (Five Million eight hundred and, thirty one thousand, one hundred and seventy three naira thirty nine kobo) being the arrears of salary, accommodation furniture and wardrobe each as itemized in the writ of summon."That there shall be 5 per cent interest per annum on the sum from June 1, 2002 until January 13, 2005 date of judgment".
Daily sun reports that the embattled council boss stood speechless when he watched helpless as the court bailiff deflated the lyres of his 406 Peugeot official car at the court premises.
The council chairman latter rode in one of cars of his aides as it took the intervention of sympathizers who pleaded with the policemen and bailiffs to allow them retrieved Mr. Ehirim's personal belongings inside the boot of his impounded 406 vehicle including his brief cases and official files.