A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra, on Monday granted the application of Mr Ikem Uzoezie, factional speaker of Anambra House of Assembly to serve Mrs Rita Maduagwu by substituted means.
Uzoezie had dragged Maduagwu, Anambra governor, Willie Obiano and the commissioner of police in the state, Garba Umar to court for the sealing of the state assembly complex.
Maduagwu was impeached as speaker of the Assembly by some members of the House on Nov.13 and Uzoezie was elected the new speaker.
Uzozie is in court to seek an interlocutory injunction to stop Maduagwu from parading herself as speaker, having been impeached by the required number of members of the Anambra House of Assembly.
Other reliefs sought include an injunction asking Obiano to stop recognizing any other person as speaker other than himself.
He also urged the court to stop Police from hindering him from exercising his duties as speaker and impeding the access of members and staff into the legislative complex.
Emeka Agbapuonwu Esq. counsel to Uzoezie told the court that while the other defendants have been successfully served, Maduagwu had evaded service.
Agbapuonwu said she could not be served at the House of Assembly because it was under seal by the police.
He said that attempts to serve her at her residence were resisted by Police guards who did not allow the bailiff to go in and serve.
He therefore prayed the court to grant his application to serve her by substituted means.
Hon Justice Bature Gafai in his ruling granted the application and fixed hearing of the matter for Nov. 27.
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