Anambra Legislative Impasse – An Excuse For Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu

MAZI EJIMOFOR OPARA

Political problems, most often, call for political solutions. The idea of invoking legislative prerogative in a matter that is absolutely political undermines the sanctity of the legislature. Particularly, when Legislators resort to devious victimization of their own in a bid to address issues arising from political impropriety, it defeats both the purpose of legislation and calls to question the integrity of complicit actors.

The Anambra State House of Assembly has been in the news for reasons not too unconnected with political casualties suffered by some members of the House at the just concluded party primaries. While we empathize with them, it is necessary to point them towards the direction of logic. A direction that discourages the undue attack on a non-source of frustration. Suffice it to say, that the spurious allegations levelled on the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu, were borne out of disaffection arising from the party primaries. Indeed, the 15 errant Legislators are transferring aggression on a non source.

This has once again validated the saying that “anger is a negative emotion that often gives rise to irrational decisions”. Fortunately, the Speaker has overtly displayed her deft leadership skills in the handling of the entire imbroglio. She understands that a problem can hardly be solved at the same level of thinking at which it was created.

Not only has she embraced the law in the emerging circumstance, she has also shown a mastery of the laws and the application of same in crisis management.

That Hon Ikem Uzoezie and his 14 other aggrieved legislators did not meet the required 2/3rd majority for the removal of a Speaker cannot be disputed by a thousand Press briefings and releases.

That the House is under lock and key is not an act of cowardice on the part of the Speaker, Rt Hon Maduagwu. But, it is part of the measures to identify with the sincere concerns of her distraught colleagues who require some time away from the demands of serious work to address the actual source of their problems – not too far from party politics – without undermining the Legislative business and converting the hallowed law making chamber into a theatre of absurdities.

While it is important that the party looks critically into these concerns and proffer the best possible political solution to the prevailing impasse, these distinguished Law Makers must aide the process of redress by shifting grounds where necessary and upholding that which is expedient at every point of negotiation.

They must be reminded that the temporary closure of the House is an act of solidarity by the amiable Speaker and other Legislators. As the Law provides for a 1/3rd quorum for the business of the House to be carried-on.

Just like the scripture would say about every form of affliction, “this too, shall come to pass”

Mazi Ejimofor Opara writes From Awka, Anambra State.