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 which relaxed a 28-day lockdown occasioned by coronavirus.
Blueprint correspondent who was at the Assembly complex at 12.15pm with 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.
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 said.
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 neither discussed, nor instructed the security men to allow only some journalists in.
When asked about the fate of others, the security men said they were instructed to allow only journalists who sent text message to the speaker into the assembly complex. “Is either you send text message to the speaker or go home,” one of the security men on duty shouted furiously.
A colleague who was at the complex since 9.30am because his name was in the list of “authorised reporters”, said they were abandoned in the reception hall all through, while the lawmakers ‘claimed’ to be holding executive session in another space within for over two hours.
According to the reporter, they later went into the hallowed chamber at about 3.05pm, 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. Plenary was later adjourned to Tuesday next week,” the reporter stated.
Credit: Blueprint