DSS’ Attempt to Arrest Anambra Lawmaker-elect from Assembly Complex Foiled

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A huge commotion ensued at the Anambra State House of Assembly complex yesterday when operatives of the Department of States Services (DSS) invaded the assembly complex and tried to whisk away one of the lawmakers-elect.

Sources told THISDAY that the lawmaker-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Mr. Onyekachukwu Ike, was arrested by the operatives and bundled into the trunk of a car and made to leave the complex before they were stopped.

An eyewitness said: “Security men at the gate of the House of Assembly upon noticing it, shut the gate and refused the operatives the opportunity of driving out with the lawmaker-elect.

“The incident happened after the arrested lawmaker-elect participated in a valedictory thanksgiving service for the outgoing seventh Assembly.

“The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, who came to represent the governor at the session, and the outgoing speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor quickly intervened and Ike was released.”

 The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Esther Aneto and other senior staff were quoted as saying that the operatives did not inform them or even the police personnel before trying to whisk away the lawmaker-elect.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga  who confirmed the incident, said  the matter had been resolved.

“There is no cause for alarm, it has been resolved. I think it was DSS that was on that mission, but I think everything has been resolved. I was told that the deputy governor and speaker of the house intervened. So, everything was resolved but I don’t know the circumstances surrounding serving him( Ike) invitation.”