Crisis Among Obaseki, Oshiomhole, Lawmakers Deepens Over Impeachment

The crises ravaging the Edo state House of Assembly was on Monday, October 22, deepened following the impeachment of the deputy speaker, Victor Edoro by 16 out of the 24 lawmakers loyal to the state Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Leadership reports that some suspected thugs armed with dangerous weapon invaded the assembly premises shortly after the deputy speaker was impeached.

It was learnt that it took the effort of the security men, mainly armed mobile policemen who were stationed at the three entrance gates to the assembly as early as 7 am from stopping the fierce looking thugs armed from attacking the anti-speaker lawmakers.

The impeachment of the deputy speaker was said to have been the outcome of the seeming crisis between the national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and governor Obaseki over the conduct of the party’s primary..

Former speaker of the House, Justin Okonobo representing Igueben constituency was thereafter nominated as the new deputy speaker

Chief whip of the House, Osaigbovo Iyoha who drew the attention of the House to the impeachment notice purportedly signed by 16 members accused the deputy speaker of misappropriation of funds, corruption and act of desperation capable of throwing the House into confusion

The impeachment motion was seconded by the member representing Akoko Edo constituency 11, Emmanuel Agbale amidst chaos

The plenary was however thrown into confusion when the embattled deputy speaker rushed for the mace and laid hold to it for over 45 minutes, an aftermath of unfruitful attempt to move a counter motion of impeachment against the speaker.

The speaker equally refused to recognized Foly Ogedegbe who in a counter motion accused him of embezzling N100 million fund belonging to the House

Addressing the crowd, the speaker Kabiru Adjotor appreciated the thugs for coming to defend democracy.

He said: ''I will always be loyal to APC party. The interest of the state is much more greater than the interest of an individual in Abuja. As APC member we are working hard to ensure president Buhari win come 2019.”

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that there was heavy shooting and fighting at the Edo state House of Assembly over move to remove the speaker, Hon Kabiru Adjoto.

Several thugs invaded the assembly and chased some lawmakers away. Two lawmakers of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), M.D Igbas and Hon Iluobe were fleeing with their security personnel. Three persons were said to have been injured in the fracas.

In related development, the Edo state House of Assembly constituted a five-man ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of breach of legislative powers against the deputy speaker, Victor Edoror.

The speaker, Kabiru Adjoto, who constituted the committee at plenary, said the deputy speaker was being accused of divulging official secret to the public. 

Adjoto explained that the obvious thing to do was to investigate the allegations, saying that they were weighty and capable of bringing the house to disrepute.