Alleged plans by one of the warring factions of the Anambra State House of Assembly to hold a plenary meeting at the assembly on Thursday, and the alleged moves by the rival faction to storm the assembly in protest has reportedly sparked tension in the state. The complex has been shut since November 13 after 25 out of 30 members of the House impeached the Speaker, Rita Maduagwu. Maduagwu, who was impeached for alleged financial impropriety, incompetence and gross misconduct, was replaced with Ikem Uzoezie, who represents Aguata II constituency. But Maduagwu dismissed her impeachment as “a bundle of illegality”. Our correspondent learnt that following the alleged division in the group loyal to Uzoezie, Maduagwu’s loyalists are planning to hold a plenary session early Thursday morning to further authenticate her leadership of the House. Maduagwu enjoys the support of the state government. On the day she was impeached, both the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, the Chief of Staff and some All Progressive Grand Alliance leaders rushed to the assembly complex to intercede for her. A source close to one of the factions told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that they had been mobilising their supporters to ensure that Maduagwu and her loyalists did not gain access to the House to sit. The source said,” Those who are planning to conduct an illegal plenary at the Anambra State House of Assembly tomorrow (Thursday) morning should be aware that the people of Anambra would go there to protest against police’s takeover of the House of Assembly complex and also to prevent Madugwu and her group from sitting. “We say no to an impeached Speaker conducting any sessions under any cover.”
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