The Edo State House of Assembly has said the action of 14 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and three members of the House in attempting to create a parallel Assembly is illegal, unconstitutional and capable of truncating democracy in Edo State and in Nigeria.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Okiye, said this on Tuesday during plenary, in a motion drawing the attention of the public to the endless distractions by the individuals.
According to him, “It has come to my notice that some persons who are not members of this House or persons entitled to any seat in this house are currently parading themselves as members of the Edo State House of Assembly.
“I urge members of the public particularly the people of Edo State to disregard and completely ignore the persons parading themselves as members of the Edo State House of Assembly namely: Victor Sabor Edoror, Washginton Osifo, Vincent Uwadiae, Kinsley Ugabi, Micheal Ohio-Ezomo, Sunday Aghedo, Chris Okaeben, Crosby Eribo, Aliyu Oshiomhole, Oshomah Ahmed, Ganiyu Audu, Ugiagbe Dumez, Uyi Ekhosuehi and Eric Okaka.”
He urged members of the public to disregard the act of the aforesaid jesters and go about their lawful business, adding that the House is one, intact and carrying out its lawful duties.
“I advise the aforesaid former members-elect of the House of Assembly to pursue the cases they have filed in Court. The remedy of self help is primitive and does not accord with the rule of law,” he averred.
He added: “The honourable House hereby condemns the illegal and unconstitutional act of the 14 former members and three (3) members who had presented their certificates of return and subscribed to the Oath of Office on 17th of June, 2019.
“Their action is capable of truncating democracy in Edo State in particular and the country in general.
“The Governor of Edo State as the Chief Security Officer of the state and the various security agencies (Federal and State) should ensure the protection of lives and property of Edo State and its citizens.
He cautioned the opposition political party to play by the rules and adhere to the tenets of democracy instead of resorting to self-help.
“We, therefore, call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is the Chief Security Officer of the Nation, to direct the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of Federation, the DSS and other security agencies to ensure that justice should not only be seen to be done but must be done to avoid a state of anarchy in Edo State,” he added.
Recall that the APC members and about three members of the Assembly had secured police backing through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to effect illegal their swearing-in, but met a brick wall as the complex was undergoing renovation. Concerned Edo citizens, who had seen through the intentions of the group, seized the Assembly ground and protested what they termed a coup d’état.
