Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
The Anambra Equity Alliance (AEA) has berated the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its National Chairman, Chief Victor Oye, over the party’s comments and actions on the purported impeachment of the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu.
The state chapter of APGA had, on November 15, announced suspension of three members of the State Assembly who played major roles in the impeachment saga, an action the APGA national chairman Oye, sanctioned.
In both radio and television interviews, Oye said that the impeachment of the former Speaker did not enjoy the blessings of the party, stressing that the lawmakers did not consult the party before the impeachment.
But, in a statement, on Wednesday, signed by the spokesman of Anambra Equity Alliance, Mr. Anthony Jude Mbah, the group insisted workings of the legislature were not subject to the control of the political party.
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Their statement reads in parts, “At this juncture it is imperative that we submit that by the virtue of all the provisions cited earlier, the powers to make laws by the legislative arm of government is not subject to the control of anybody including a political party as erroneously canvassed by the APGA National Chairman, Victor Oye and contrary to his blatantly misleading position, political parties are the ones who should be subject to the control of the parliament whether federal or State and not the other way round.
“It, therefore, means that the exercise of legislative powers is not under the control of any person including a political party but conversely it is the party that should be subject to the provisions and laws properly enacted by the National or State Assemblies.”
It, therefore, described the submissions of the APGA boss as “grossly mischievous for anyone or party to say that they must be consulted before the legislative arm takes a decision.
“To make this claim that the Governor was not consulted before the impeachment is a violation of the essence of the principals of separation of powers enshrined in our constitutions.
“The governor belongs to the executive arm of government and it is against the laws of the land for the legislative arm to take permission or seek clearance from the governor before carrying out its oversight functions.”