Unic Press UK: A Federal High Court, Awka, which is presided by Judge Bature Gafai, has granted leave to Ikem Uzoezie to apply a substituted service of court processes to Rita Mmaduagwu.
Prior to its ruling, the court had considered the submission of Ikem legal counsel Emeka Agbapuonwu that the court bailiff had served all the respondents in the case save Maduagwu despite every effort, including visits to Maduagwu residence.
The ongoing crisis in the Anambra State House of Assembly started on November 13, when it was announced that Rita Mmaduagwu had been impeached by 25 of 30 lawmakers’, and the plaintiff, Ikem Uzoezie elected as Speaker. Both Uzoezie and Mmaduagwu are claiming to be the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
During a recent interview, Uzoezie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that:
“As an independent body, the House of Assembly is at liberty to change its leadership if they are not performing, we are peers, co-equals, so it is purely internal to us. . . The impeachment stands and all other principal officers remain.”
Mmaduagwu says she has not been impeached.
