Armed police personnel have been deployed in strategic areas leading to the Anambra State House of Assembly to prevent an unpleasant situation. The Ho
Armed police personnel have been deployed in strategic areas leading to the Anambra State House of Assembly to prevent an unpleasant situation. The House was expected to resume sitting after its crisis which began on Tuesday over attempt to impeach the Speaker, Mrs Rita Nmaduagwu. Policemen were stationed at Ekwueme Square, NULGE Secretariat Junction and barricaded roads leading to the Complex with patrol trucks while workers in Anambra Universal Basic Education Board, Independent National Electoral Commission and the High Court, all within the assembly area were forced by the police to disembark from commercial vehicles and walk. Those in private vehicles were thoroughly screened to establish their identities and destinations while some vehicles were diverted from the area.
Rita Maduagwu
Some members of the state house of assembly on Tuesday purportedly impeached the Speaker and elected Mr Ikem Uzozie as her replacement and it has since split the house into two factions as Mmaduagwu insisted that her purported removal was invalid. Describing those who allegedly impeached her as “rascals,” Maduagwu said, “Nobody can impeach me because I have not committed any offence. They didn’t have any power known to any law to impeach me. They need two-thirds of our members to impeach the Speaker or the governor. So, I’m still the Speaker.”
Maduagwu, who was rallied round by some government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Solo Chukwulobe, regained access to the chamber after about two hours and held a session with 11 members. She adjourned the House sitting till November 15 only for the police to take over the state house of Assembly. A source close to the assembly, said that Thursday’s sitting may have been shelved to give room for more consultations and reconciliation among the lawmakers and other stakeholders.
NAN
