Anambra PDP orders Assembly to re-admit Uba's aides
By Chuks Collins,
Onitsha
THE People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has issued a five-day ultimatum to the state House of Assembly, within which to rescind its expulsion of two members, Mrs. Eucharia Azodo and Mr. Nelson Achukwu.
In a two-page letter addressed to the Speaker, the party dissociated itself from the action of the House, insisting that "there is absolutely no vacant seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly with respect to PDP sponsored members."
The party secretary, Chief Reuben Okpaloka, who also signed the letter expressed the displeasure of the executives, even at the national headquarters with the announced expulsion of the two legislators by the Assembly.
In a quick reaction, the Speaker, Mr. Mike Balonwu told The Guardian that the House had not received any such letter from the party.
Balonwu went on, "the House acted in line with the clear provisions of the constitution of the Federation, after all it was not personal. None of the other members was happy that we had to take the step...", he added.
In the six-point letter from Chief Okpaloka, the House was directed "to rescind, cancel and expunge your said declaration of the (2) seats vacant within five days." He also invited the Speaker to appear before the State Executive Committee of the party at the No. 7, Zik Avenue's office of the party within 48 hours, today.
The directive was for Balonwu to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him and the other members for the action.
The House, presided over by Balonwu had about four weeks ago through a notice from the clerk, Dr. Aloy Ikwuka, passed a motion that the two members -Eucharia Azodo and Nelson Achukwu, who were known aides of the alleged mastermind of the July 10, 2003 saga, Chief Chris Uba, be expelled.
The duo representing Aguata 1 and Nnewi South 1 constituencies respectively were said to have failed to attend sittings in the House for up to one-third of the whole sittings in the year ended.
The Guardian had exclusively reported on August 5 that the party headquarters had directed the state branch to intervene in the matter. The chairman, Chief Ivy Obiokoye told The Guardain that when he called at the House as earlier arranged, none of the members, especially the principal officers was around.
This was despite a letter (refANS/PDP3/41/04) to the members earlier in the week by the State Secretary, Chief Okpaloka, Obiokoye noted.
The secretary's letter to the Speaker also accused the House of having exhibited, "utmost disregard and disrespect to the directive" and described same as unbecoming of Speaker of a legislative House, especially when majority of the members were sponsored by the PPD in the elections.
Balonwu maintained that they could not have ignored the letter if it was received by the House.
