Impeachment: Panic in Anambra over plot to attack assembly members

THERE was palpable tension in Anambra State following reports that some suspected thugs have been paid to attack principal officers of the State House of Assembly.

According to the reports the new speaker Hon Ikem Uzoeizie, the Deputy Speaker Barr Harford Oseke, majority leader Jideofor Okoye and the minority leader, Mr Onyebuchi Offor were allegedly marked out for attack by the suspected thugs.

During the last meeting of the Assembly last week, the thugs had attempted to storm the Assembly complex totalling over sixty but were stopped and tear gassed by the security operatives stationed at the entrance to the compound.

When contacted the State Police Public relations Officer Mr Haruna Mohammed on the development he contended that the Police command is battle ready to protect lives and properties including the Assembly members.

Haruna noted that at the moment there is no official report on any plot to attack any lawmaker but saying that the command is more proactive than ever in protecting the lawmakers.

                                    ALSO READ: Ondo Assembly crisis: Akeredolu insists on reconciliation

The new speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie told TribuneOnline that “You call it rumour and let it remain within the realm of rumours, but the police command should not see it that way. We have had cases in Anambra where we had rumours and overlooked them and it later happened.”

I know that we have been receiving calls from unknown people and some of them appear to be talking tough though nobody has said he will kill us we do not leave anything to chance.

Uzoezie noted that “what we have done is in the best interest of Anambra State and anybody planning anything is an enemy of Anambra people.”

Reacting to the sealing off of the Assembly complex he contended that “Interestingly, you are very much aware that the Honorable members held their normal meetings at the Assembly on 15th November 2018 with over 25 Honorable members in attendance, including the former speaker Hon Rita Maduagwu (who for obvious reasons refuse to join us), and thereafter the Honourable members in the company of the New Speaker addressed the press. There was no crisis or any semblance of breach of public peace among the Honourable Members or within the premises of the House of Assembly.”

“It is important to note that the minor change in the House leadership by the removal of the former Speaker Rt Hon. Rita Madugwu on Tuesday 13th November 2018 by over 2/3 majority of members (25 Hon Members in attendance) was within the constitutional powers of the House and there was no crisis whatsoever following as a result of that.

Following her removal, the House unanimously elected Rt Hon Ikem Uzoezie as their new Speaker. Thus having been so removed, she seizes to be Speaker of the House. Such matters remain the internal affairs of the House of Assembly, if anybody has any reservation whatsoever with her removal, the person should go to court for the determination of such issue. This is online of the principles of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.”

“The Executives or Police has no powers at all to interfere in the proceedings or functions of the House using the apparatus of the State.

In the light of the above-stated facts, we are therefore compelled to state that, it is therefore wrong, illegal and unconstitutional for the Nigeria Police Force Anambra State command of any other security agency to purportedly takeover, seal off the entire House of Assembly Complex as well as to direct civil servants working at the Assembly Complex” to report to the office of the head of such purported actions and directions.

This act of the command amounts to an abuse of office and executive lawless because they have no such powers or right to meddle with the business of the State Assembly.”

“We want to make clear that the new leadership of House of Assembly will continue to work together to further deepen the existing cordial relationship between the House, Nigeria Police Force/security agencies and the Executive ably led by our ever working Governor, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano to enable him to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra.”

“We, therefore, condemn in Strong Terms the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the Nigerian Police Force towards Anambra
State House of Assembly and urge the public to condemn the attack on the symbol of Democracy in Anambra State.”