Tension engulfed the Anambra State House of Assembly when a distressing incident occurred involving four armed individuals suspected to be operatives of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS). Their target was the member-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Mr. Onyekachukwu Ike.
The alarming episode unfolded when the armed men, arriving at the Assembly complex in three vehicles, abruptly apprehended Mr. Ike after his participation in a valedictory thanksgiving mass for the outgoing seventh Assembly.
Forcing Mr. Ike into their vehicle, the armed men hastily attempted to exit the Assembly complex. However, their plans were swiftly thwarted as security personnel promptly secured the exit gate.
The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Esther Aneto, along with other senior staff members, expressed their deep concerns, noting that neither the suspected DSS operatives nor the police personnel at the Assembly had informed them prior to their audacious attempt to apprehend Mr. Ike.
To shed light on their actions, one of the suspected DSS operatives revealed that they possessed a court order to effect the arrest of the member-elect.
Fortunately, the situation was defused through the intervention of the Speaker, Dr. Uche Okafor, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim. The Deputy Governor was present as a representative of the Governor during the Valedictory session of the seventh Assembly. Their combined efforts successfully led to the release of the member-elect.
The incident at the Anambra State House of Assembly sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising pertinent questions about the circumstances surrounding the attempted abduction. As investigations continue, concerns about the proper protocols and communication channels between security agencies and the Assembly are being voiced.
The safety and security of lawmakers, as well as the sanctity of legislative proceedings, remain key areas of focus in the aftermath of this harrowing event.
