Plot to impeach Obiano uncovered as ex-Gov Obi is fingered

Plots by opposition groups to unseat the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano thickened following the alleged flawed removal of the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Rita  Maduagwu from office  by a faction of the House led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Harford Oseke representing Awka South II State Constituency.

The governor who few days ago traveled with president Muhammadu Buhari to Paris after he made what well-meaning Nigerians termed non-salutary pledge to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 Presidential elections.

Jolted by a section of the House, the embattled Speaker was believed to have reached out to the State governor, who mandated the Secretary to the Government, Solo Chukwulobelu, his Chief of Staff, Hon. Primus Odili, Commissioner for Information. Hon C.Don Adinuba and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Assembly Matters, Hon. Chidozie Ezeugwa among others to move in to forestall the matter and save the situation.

A team of security operatives including men of the Nigeria Police Force were mobilized to the Assembly where they provided cover for the 10-man faction of the House led by the Speaker, Hon. Maduagwu to hold session, even as one member moved in while the session was on.

Prior to the conundrum in the House, different interest groups are believed to have fine-tuned strategies to unseat the governor of the State, even as some of them have capitalized on the controversial primaries of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to seek the support of aggrieved aspirants of the party.

It was gathered that the opposition groups’ Plan A almost materialized following the impeachment of the Speaker with her replacement by Ikem Uzoezie, representing Aguata House II after a motion moved by Onyebuchi Offor representing Ekwusigo State Constituency and seconded by Kingsley Iruba, representing Nnewi South II State Constituency.

The Speaker was accused of alleged high-handedness, financial impropriety, docility and breach of House procedures.

The removal of the Speaker was perfected by a voice vote unanimously supported by those present while she was yet to enter the Assembly chamber.

The saving grace for the Speaker came when the Clerk of the House refused to swear in the new Speaker alleging that Section 92(C) of the Constitution was not followed, thus pronouncing the said impeachment as null, void and of no effect.

In his reaction, the SSA to the Governor, Hon., Ezeugwa noted that there was serious issue the members might not be happy with and sought an opportunity to give expression to it through the impeachment move, adding that efforts would be made to settle the rift and unite the members of the House.

Both factions adjourned to resume this Thursday in what political watchers tag an endless war of attrition.

Meanwhile the former Governor of the State and the vice President to PDP Presidential hopeful; Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi has been fingered of being behind the Anambra impeachment saga.

It was gathered by close sources that the PDP, through former Governor Peter Obi, has concluded plans to topple the smooth flow of governance in the State.

According to sources, this move is coming on the suspicion that Governor Willie Obiano will work for the All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in the 2019 election.

The meeting which took place at the instance of Mr. Peter Obi targeted 15 of the incumbent State Assembly members who were unable to secure the Reelection ticket of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the just concluded primaries.

These legislators led by the Son of a former Commissioner in Peter Obi’s administration, Hon. Ikem Uzozie were said to have received 10million Naira each from Mr. Peter Obi. The first trench of 10million was for the mobilization to impeach Rt. Hon Rita Maduagwu, who is considered to be strongly in support of Governor Obiano.

The next phase of the impeachment charade was to be targeted at Governor Obiano if they had succeeded in removing Madam Speaker yesterday.

Eyewitness reports confirmed that the 15 lawmakers headed immediately to the Onitsha residence of Mr. Peter Obi after their impeachment ploy was botched by members of the house loyal to the Speaker.

Further reports have it that funds have been voted by the PDP VP and other opposition elements to cause serious unrest in the legislative arm that will supposedly trickle down to other critical areas of the State.

According to an anonymous source, the PDP is doing this to create an inroad to Anambra where it is currently expected that Mr Peter Obi may fail in 2019 if these upsets are not put in place.