Eighteen lawmakers of the Anambra State House of Assembly led by the factional Speaker, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie were on Thursday barred from gaining access into the assembly complex to hold plenary session.

Recall that the assembly complex was sealed off by police, following the crisis that erupted recently as a result of the failed impeachment of the Speaker of the House, Hon Rita Maduagwu.

The Police Superintendent, Mr Arikpo Ofem, who spoke to the lawmakers, told them that he has not received any order to let them in.

He, however, contacted the Divisional Police Officer in charge of B Division, Mr Odim M, who met the legislators and explained to them that he was not given any order to let them in.

Addressing journalists at the entrance of the Assembly complex, Uzoezie said that it's unfortunate that the people of Anambra State are being denied the right to enjoy democratic process.

He said: “We adjourned to the 21st day of November and today we came to carry out our functions as legislators but the Nigerian police stopped us.

“Our complex is under lock and key and Anambra people are being denied their right to effective lawful representation. This is very unfortunate and it doesn’t speak well of the state.

“The judiciary and executive are allowed to carry out their duties while the legislature is being deprived of its constitutional rights. The Assembly is discussing with its legal team on the next line of action.”

While describing the action as illegal, the lawmaker called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP to intervene in the matter, insisting that Anambra people cannot be victims of illegality at this stage.

He announced the adjournment of plenary to November 27^th, stressing that if they are not allowed to sit on the said date, they would petition the National Assembly.

Update news