- Police command in Anambra said it has cordoned off the state assembly complex to prevent disturbance of public peace
- The move, according to the police, was necessary following information it received that the two factions in the assembly might lock horns
- The genesis of the crisis was as a result of impeachment of the speaker of the house, Rita Maduagwu, by 22 out of the state 30 lawmakers on allegation of graft
Not less than 300 policemen cordoned off the Anambra house of assembly following the battle of recognition that trailed an alleged impeachment of the speaker of the state, Rita Maduagwu, by 22 of the 30 state lawmakers.
Premium Times reports that the move to seal off the complex was timely so as to prevent what seems to be a foreseeable crisis between the two warring factions of the house.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Mauagwu, the only female speaker in the country, was impeached following a motion moved by Ikemba Uzoezie on Tuesday, November 13, and endorsed by 22 out of the 30 lawmakers.
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In a shocking event described as "a bunch of illegality" by the embattled speaker, Ikem Uzoezie, a member of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) representing Aguata II constituency, was immediately elected as the new speaker.
Although, Mauagwu was let in into the complex where she was able to hold plenary with eleven loyal members, fresh facts have indicated that fracas might emerge as the new speaker, Ikem Uzoezie was also reported to have held another sitting with lawmakers loyal to his camp.
But in a statement by the police on Friday, November 16, justifying its action, the spokesperson for the Anambra police command, Haruna Mohammed, said the sealing off was done at 6pm on Thursday, November 15, having received information that the warring lawmakers were up to something.
He said the closure of the assembly was a necessity to prevent crisis and disturbance of public peace.
He said:"Sequel to the breaches of public peace at the Anambra state house of assembly complex on November, 15, the leadership of the assembly has requested for the police to take over, seal off and secure the entire premises of the assembly in an official letter to the commissioner of police.
‘’The Anambra state police command wishes to inform the general public that it has sealed off the assembly complex with effect from 6pm of Thursday, November, 15, as a proactive measure to avert possible breakdown of law and order in the assembly."
Members of the public were urged to stay off the assembly building pending the time the political tension would be doused.
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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that following the impeachment of the Rita Maduagwu as Anambra assembly speaker, two speakers had emerged.
The confusion was due to the two different groups producing their speakers following an alleged impeachment of Rita Maduagwu over allegations of financial impropriety, gross misconduct, incompetence and sundry allegations.
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Source: Legit.ng