Anambra lawmakers tackle commissioner over alleged disrespect

Awka—MEMBERS of the Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday put the state Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, Market and Wealth Creation, Mrs. Uzoamaka Ilobi on what could best be described as a hot seat on the floor of the house for allegedly insulting the state legislature. Ilobi was said to have ordered the majority leader of the House, Mr. Victor Jideofor out of her office when the lawmaker went to clarify certain official issues. When the majority leader reported the incident to his colleagues, the commissioner was summoned to the House to explain what transpired between her and the lawmaker who, it was gathered, was officially sent to her office for the clarification, but she allegedly called the bluff of the House. Angered by the development, the matter was tabled at the plenary, with the lawmakers threatening to recommend to the governor, Chief Willie Obiano, her removal from office if she failed to appear before them. It was apparently because of the threat that made the commissioner to appear before the lawmakers, during which they kept her standing while dressing her down. All the legislators who spoke during her appearance frowned at the development and warned political appointees and the public against showing disrespect to the third tier of government, which they said, was becoming rampant. According to them, the situation was capable of dragging the image of the legislature through the mud if not checked. The member representing Aguata 2 Constituency, Mr. Ikem Uzoezi said the commissioner forgot that the legislature confirmed her appointment and wondered why she had the effrontery to insult the state legislature, noting that summoning her to the House was to call her to order. “Are you not aware that the legislature is a constituted body empowered by the Nigerian Constitution and that any disrespect to it means violation of the law and an insult on the state?” he asked her. The Commissioner, who appeared sober during the encounter, affirmed her knowledge of the law and apologized for her misbehavior before the legislature. After promising that such a thing would not repeat itself, the lawmakers asked her to “go and sin no more”.