Melo Drama in Edo State House of Assembly Over Leadership Tussle
A drama at the Edo Assembly complex on Thursday with forces for and against Governor Godwin Obaseki battling for the leadership of the house.
The trouble was seen coming in the morning when Police operatives stormed the complex with an unknown mission. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had alleged that the police were there to provide security for those out to effect a regime change in the Assembly.
HIn retaliation, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Phillip Shuaibu moved promptly to the complex with PDP supporters also mobilised. The supporters were later addressed by the Speaker, Frank Okiye loyal to him.
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Part of their allegations were that the All Progressives Congress (APC) forces plan to take over the complex and impeach Okiye, and Obaseki vowed he would do anything within his powers to forestall forceful takeover of the complex.
According to reports, the 14 lawmakers opposed to the Governor were seen around the complex reportedly to move against Okiye. They were later joined by three other lawmakers that earlier supported Obaseki.
After a few hours, unplanned renovation work began in the complex leading to the removal of its roof. According to sources, the Governor allegedly ordered the heaping of sand at the front of the Assembly complex to begin the immediate renovation.
Anti Obaseki lawmakers hold session elsewhere to remove the speaker
Meanwhile, the lawmakers against Obaseki later met at an undisclosed venue where they impeached Okiye and his Deputy, Roland Asoro.
The emergency session attended by 17 of the 24-member Assembly saw the election of Victor Edoror, who represents Esan Central constituency as new Speaker while Emmanuel Agbaje, who represents Akoko Edo constituency II was elected as Deputy Speaker.
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In his inaugural speech, Edoror assured the 7th Assembly would focus on its legislative duties and never pursue the removal of any member of the executives.
He, therefore, called for unity while declaring that there was no victor, no vanquished.
