Edo Assembly Bickers over Suspension of Shaibu’s Ally, Others

For an alleged plot of impeachment against the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the house on Monday suspended three lawmakers and other principal officers of the Assembly.

One of the suspended lawmakers,  Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo II, is an ally of the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

Okogbe, a lawmaker of the Peoples Democratic Party, was the only one that did not sign the petition that led to Shaibu’s impeachment.
The two other suspended lawmakers are Addeh Emankhu Isibor, APC, Esan North-East I; and Iyamu Bright, PDP, Orhionnwon II.

The Speaker also accused the lawmakers of bringing native doctors to the House on May 1 at around 1 am to perform some sacrifice.

Agbebaku said the trio was suspended indefinitely, alleging that they were being influenced by external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the House.

The suspension of the lawmakers, however, created tension in the House as the affected lawmakers kicked against their suspension.

In a rowdy session, the three suspended lawmakers were seen screaming “Mr Speaker, you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member(s) of the House. You must call for votes. Allow members to vote on the matter!” they shouted.

Speaking on the development, Okogbe described the action of the Speaker as illegal, unconstitutional, against his oath of office, the rule of the House and the constitution of the country.

He said, “What happened was that the Speaker came onto the floor and called out my name and the two others, saying that we had been suspended. He said we have a plan to impeach him and that we are the arrowhead.

“Right now, there is no evidence of impeachment, while the power to suspend a member belongs to the House of Assembly and not an individual, including the Speaker.

“The constitution says that the House will not take a decision except by resolution, which presupposes that there is a motion, the motion is seconded and if the motion is not countered, then the motion will be put to vote and the Speaker cannot vote unless there is a tie.”
 Okogbe said the three suspended lawmakers met with other members and the majority of the lawmakers did not agree with the suspension.