No plot to impeach Anambra Speaker — Lawmaker

Chugbo Enwezor, the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Judiciary, has denied the speculation that a plot is being hatched to impeach the Speaker, Rita Maduagwu.

Enwezor said this on Thursday in Awka while speaking to newsmen on the matter shortly after the House plenary.

Available reports indicate that since the House reconvened after its break, the Speaker and her deputy, Harsford Oseke, have been conspicuously absent, with the Majority Leader, Victor Okoye, presiding as Speaker Pro Tempore.

Enwezor described the insinuation as false, baseless, unfounded and mischievous.

He said the House Rule 16 and section 19(2) of the constitution was clear on such matter.

Enwezor said: “The House was empowered to elect a member to act as Speaker or deputy in a situation like this, to ensure that the House continued with its legislative functions.

“There should not be a vacuum because of the absence of any principal officer of the House. That is exactly what we have done and l make bold to tell you that there is no gang up against the Speaker to impeach her.

“If she is to be impeached, she won’t be absent to facilitate her impeachment.”

Also reacting on the issue, Okoye said the Speaker had been absent from plenary on health grounds.

He stated: “She will be back by the weekend and will preside over next plenary.”