: Tension In Awka, 500 Policemen Deployed

BARELY four days to the expected hand over to a new government, palpable tension has gripped Anambra State following deployment of 500 heavily – armed policemen to Awka, the state capital.

The policemen who have taken over government establishments in the city, yesterday, prevented some legislators and civil servants from carrying out their responsibilities.

But the state House of Assembly was able to swear-in Justice Umegbolu Nri-Ezeadi as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.

Judicial workers, including the chief registrar, Judges and lawyers were prevented from entering the court premises and were asked to go home as police cordoned off the dual carriage road leading to the state judiciary headquarters, House of Assembly, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office.

There was, however, a minor face-off when police officers tried to prevent members of the State House of Assembly from entering the assembly complex but they resisted, insisting that their tenure had not ended.

However, a member representing Orumba North Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo Okom, who briefed newsmen, maintained that the policemen did not allow him into the complex, insisting that the action was unwarranted.

Chief registrar of the state, Mr. Michael Okonkwo said he was told by the police to leave for his home, whle chairman of the state Judiciary Staff Association, Mr. Basil Mbanefo notd that he was warned by policemen to stay clear of the state judiciary headquarters.

In another development, opposition in the state has alleged that the members of the state House of Assembly were given N1 million each to confirm Justice Nri-Ezeadi as the substantive chief judge and subsequently swear him in.

Meanwhile, the state government-elect Dr. Andy Uba, has announced a one-week fasting and prayer, which will start after the swearing-in ceremony.






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