Ebonyi Speaker, 12 others arrested

 

The factional speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly and member representing Abakaliki North state constituency, Hon. Helen Nwobashi, the deputy speaker and member representing Afikpo South East state constituency, Hon. Blaise Orji and 12 other lawmakers loyal to Hon. Helen Nwobashi were yesterday arrested by a team of policemen from the police Headquarters Abakaliki shortly after coming out from the court where a suit was instituted against Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku.

According to reports by LeadershipNGA, others arrested and were seen making statement at the Police Headquarters include the chief whip, Hon. Ogbonnaya Ikoro (Afikpo North West), Hon. Jerry Obasi (Ohaozara West), Hon Eni Uduma Chima, representing Afikpo South West, the minority whip, Hon. Joseph Nwobashi, the member representing Afikpo North East, Hon. Eloy Eloy and the former speaker, Hon. Ikechukwu Nwankwo among others.

The lawmakers, who were arrested at about 9:30am, were taken to the interrogation room of the State Criminal Investigation Department where a police officer took their statements.

Some of the lawmakers who were shocked by the development described it as unconstitutional and a rape of democracy.

A police source revealed to LEADERSHIP that the lawmakers were arrested following a petition written and addressed to the state commissioner of police by the 10 lawmakers loyal to Rt. Hon Chukwuma Nwazunku, alleging conspiracy, breaking into the House of Assembly Chambers and threat to the lives of the 10 lawmakers.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, one of the lawyers to the 14 lawmakers, Barr. Luke Nkwagu expressed regret at the action of the police, adding that the undue interference in the House of Assembly’s matters is a breach of the constitution.

Barr. Nkwagu further stated that the rights and privileges of the lawmakers were being infringed upon by the police and called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently call his men to order.

The police public relations officer (PPRO), ASP Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed their arrest, said the lawmakers were arrested following the petition written against them by the other 10 lawmakers, adding that the lawmakers were arrested on warrant as they would not be released without a court vacating the warrant.