Sunday, February 18, 2007

Anambra Assembly boils over Speaker's comments
FROM: CHUKS COLLINS, AWKA

THERE were strong indications yesterday that by the time the furore generated by the alleged apology of Speaker of the Anambra State Assembly, Mike Balonwu to Gov. Peter Obi settles, Balonwu might have lost his position.

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Though the Chief Press Secretary to the House, Ray Udeagbala has refuted the comments, which were credited to the speaker, members who spoke to The Guardian yesterday in Awka expressed deep anger over the matter.

According to Chief Okechi Echezona, chairman, House Committee on Information, "the comments credited to the Honourable Speaker was brazenly misquoted out of context. It's unfortunate that a section of the media, especially the Anambra state- owned radio/ television chose not to report facts as it affects the state Assembly.

"I was physically present during the brief ceremony to see off Christian pilgrims to Israel, during which the speaker, who was made leader of the delegation made the remarks. He did not in any way say he was sorry for the impeachment of the Governor; rather he described Obi as a leader with a mission, hence should learn to always forge ahead, leaving events of the past to remain in the past" Echezona stated.

The House have already filed an appeal against the governor's reinstatement by the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, which reaffirmed the December 28, 2006 judgment by Justice Umegbolu Nri-Ezedi.

Echezona admitted that other members, who felt bad against the alleged remarks, were already insisting that Balonwu be impeached on Tuesday, when the House reconvenes for the week.

Another member, Chief Ossy Chinwuba, wondered whether an experienced legislator of Balonwu's standing could actually disparage the House in public as alleged.

He reserved further comments until the formal sitting on Tuesday.

Curiously, the Deputy Speaker, Ozo Ughamadu insisted that the House would not debate, react or comment on the matter any further, saying it would amount to falling prey to a booby-trap of enemies of the House.

Chief Ben- Chuks Nwosu, leader of the group of legislators who stood against Obi's impeachment, however saw Balonwu's alleged action as "a shinning example for all others to follow."

Meanwhile Chief George Igbokwe, the Counsel, who represented the House in most of the legal tussle over the impeachment of Obi has dragged the House to Court over unpaid legal fees. The case has not been fixed for hearing.