Anambra lawmakers challenge police over sealing of assembly

Lawmakers in Anambra state have told the police that they lacked powers to seal the state’s House of Assembly.

Addressing newsmen in Akwa on Monday, the lawmakers described the action of the police as illegal, unconstitutional and an abuse of office.

It will be recalled that policemen from Anambra State Police Command had last Thursday took over the assembly complex following the fracas that erupted last Tuesday over attempts by some members to remove the Speaker, Rita Maduagwu.

The lawmakers urged the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, to call the Anambra State Command to order, stating that the command’s action amounted to attacking the symbol of democracy, not only in the state, but in the country.

They therefore asked the police to unseal the complex to enable them to carry out their legislative duties.

Factional Speaker of the  Assembly, Ikem Uzoezie, said: “The leadership of Anambra State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, followed by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Harford Oseke, the Majority Leader, Hon. Victor Jideofor Okoye and the Minority Leader, Hon. Onyebuchi Offor and others did not at any time request Anambra Police Command to take over, seal off and secure the entire premises of the House of Assembly as well as order the civil servants to report to vacate the premises.

“It is on record that there was no incident or semblance of any crises that occurred among the members or within the premises of the Anambra State House of Assembly to warrant the leadership of the House to request you (Police) to takeover, seal off and secure premises of the Assembly.”