The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly has stunned other lawmakers after disappearing with the mace.
Mrs. Rita Maduagwu
Serious confusion took over the Anambra State House of Assembly on Thursday following a move to impeach the speaker, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, by members.
According to The Punch, the speaker, noticing the move, absconded with the mace, the symbol of authority of the legislative house.
Before that, no fewer than 28 members of the house had assembled at the chamber for the business of the day.
Amidst the confusion, Governor Willie Obiano drove to the House of Assembly complex, apparently to intercede.
The Punch reports that, according to a source, the governor addressed the 28 members of the house, who are members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, pleading with them to persuade others not to carry out the impeachment.
The speaker, noticing that her members were adamant in carrying out their mission, absconded with the mace, unnoticed.
When the bell heralding her coming into the chambers rang repeatedly, the speaker was nowhere to be found.
This caused the Majority Leader, Victor Okoye, to call for the adjournment of the house till Tuesday, April 11.
Speaking with journalists, the member representing Ekwusigo state constituency, Mr. Onyebuchi Offor, expressed dissatisfaction with the speaker’s attitude.
He said “We came this morning to hold our normal session only to be disappointed that the speaker had absconded with the mace.”