Confusion in Anambra as faction says governor removed

Nigeria's southeastern Anambra State was embroiled in confusion after a faction of the ruling party allegedly instigated the abduction of the elected governor and announced his removal, state radio said on Friday. Governor Chris Ngige, elected on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in April, was alleged to have been taken away from his office in the state capital, Awka, on Thursday to an unknown destination by a contingent of more than 200 policemen. The state legislature subsequently read a letter of resignation purported to have been written by him and directed that his deputy be sworn in. Ngige later phoned Radio Nigeria to disown the said resignation, claiming the police team led by a zonal commander, Raphael Ige, was holding him against his will. "I am still under abduction," Ngige said, adding the letter read before the state legislature was forged. The head of the Nigerian police, Tafa Balogun, who later ordered his release, described the action of the policemen as unauthorised and ordered an investigation of the circumstances of police involvement in the matter. "As far as the police authority is concerned Dr. Ngige is still the duly elected and legal governor of Anambra State," Balogun added. Ngige blamed his woes on Chris Uba, a former political ally and factional leader of the PDP in the state. Uba, he said, had mounted pressure on him to authorise payment of three billion naira (US $23.62 million) he claimed was money expended on the governor's election. Ngige said Uba had also wanted to appoint all his personal staff and members of his cabinet. Uba could not be reached for his comments. A statement by the national office of the PDP condemned the purported removal of the governor and said it was a threat to democracy in Nigeria. "We are not recognising the development in Anambra State. Ngige remains our elected and legitimate governor," the statement said.