Anambra lawmakers ban journalists from plenary

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Anambra state House of Assembly, Tuesday, banned journalists from gaining access into their complex as they officially resumed plenary.

The lawmakers had reconvened for official legislative businesses following governor Willie Obiano's broadcast on April 25 relaxing the 28 days lockdown occasioned by coronavirus. 

Our publisher who was at the Assembly complex at 12.15pm with two other colleagues were told by security men at the entrance gate that his name was not among those authorised to cover the event.

“What is your name? It has been restricted. We have the list of those that can cover the event for today. The only journalists on the list are Kevin Ekediegwu, Peter Nwasike, Ogemdi Ozoemena, Chukwuemeka Modilim, Onu Nwasike, Vincent Ujumadu and Tony Okafor. They are only those to enter for today,” he stated. 

But when contacted, Mr Emma Madu, the Press Secretary to the Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, said he was directed by the Clerk of the House to submit the list in line with coronavirus protocol.

“I was directed by the Clerk to compile the list because of coronavirus. We don’t have enough spaces for more journalists to enter except those on the list. This is in line with social distancing order,” Madu explained.

However, in a reply to a text sent to the Speaker, Uche Okafor, to clarify if he was aware of the ban, he said the House never authorised it and instructed the security men one of whom came and called the journalist (that texted the speaker in).

When asked about the fate of others, the security men said they were instructed to allow only the journalist who texted him.

A colleague who was at the complex all through said they were not also allowed into the hall where they held meetings for over two hours claiming it was an executive meeting. 

According to the reporter, they later went into the hallowed chamber and immediately moved for adjournment without deliberating on any issue.

"They moved for adjournment immediately. It was while supporting the adjournment that some of them commended governor Willie Obiano on his fight against COVID-19. It was adjourned to Tuesday next week," the reporter stated.