Confusion in Anambra as two speakers emerge

There was confusion on Tuesday at the Anambra State House of Assembly as two speakers emerged after the impeachment of the Speaker  Rita Maduagwu.

Twenty members of the House had earlier in the day claimed to have impeached Maduagwu over financial impropriety, gross misconduct, incompetence and sundry allegations. The House has 30 members.

The motion to impeach Maduagwu was moved by Ikem Uzozie, representing AguataII constituency. He was seconded by Onyebuchi Offor (Ekwusigo constituency).

Three members of the House who refused to join in the exercise were suspended.

Uzozie was thereafter nominated for speaker by his group,  but the Clerk of the House, Pius Udoh, allegedly sneaked out from the chamber, apparently to avoid swearing in Uzozie.

Udoh later told reporters that the “purported impeachment did not meet the constitutional requirements”.

While addressing the House, Maduagwu described her impeachment as “a bundle of illegality”.

She 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 needed two-thirds of our members to impeach me or the governor. So, I’m still the speaker.

Maduagwu,  who was surrounded 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 till November 15.

It was gathered that her impeachment was connected with the All Progressives Grand Alliance primaries which most of the members of the House lost out.Punch