Impeached Anambra Speaker counters claims she has been removed, holds plenary with supporters

The embattled Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Rita Maduagwu who was Tuesday afternoon impeached by some members of the Assembly said such action by dissident lawmakers will not stand.

She described the action as a nullity, saying that most members of the Assembly were with her, and that there was no way the aggrieved group could have gotten up to 22 members, who they purported to have.

She said, “How can they say they are 22? Look at all the members with me here, so where did they get their 22 members? All they need to be able to impeach me is 20 members, and they don’t have that.

“They did not follow due process, that is why the Clark refused to swear in the Speaker they purported to have elected.

“They have nothing against me, and they can not impeach. Did they read any offence, or did they serve me? There are processes that must be followed before impeachment can work.”

She said, “I was getting ready to go down for plenary when I was told they have moved a motion and impeached me.

“I was not served, they needed only 20 members to impeach me but they could not get that, two of our members are also abroad and have called to support us.”

When told that the aggrieved members cited financial impropriety and highhandedness against her, she broke into laughter.

Meanwhile, the speaker led 10 other members to hold sitting after the earlier group had adjourned sitting.

Maduagwu who presided over the House also adjourned it till 15th November, same day as her traducers.