Edo Speaker Suspends Three Lawmakers, Alleges Impeachment Plot and Rituals
Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku
The Edo House of Assembly speaker, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, has suspended three lawmakers. This action was taken in response to an alleged conspiracy to unseat him and other key members of the Assembly on Monday.
According to sources, one of the suspended lawmakers, Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo II under the PDP, is a close associate of the recently impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu. Interestingly, Okogbe was the sole legislator who refrained from endorsing the petition that resulted in Shaibu’s removal from office.
Agbebaku expressed that the indefinite suspension of the three lawmakers was necessitated by suspicions of external influences aiming to instigate disorder and topple the Assembly’s leadership. This decision, however, sparked a wave of tension within the Assembly as the affected lawmakers vehemently opposed their suspension.
During a heated session, the three suspended lawmakers were heard exclaiming, “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.”
The Speaker then abruptly adjourned the plenary.
The other two legislators affected by this suspension are Addeh Emankhu Isibor, representing Esan North-East I under the APC, and Iyamu Bright, representing Orhionnwon II under the PDP.
Furthermore, Agbebaku leveled an accusation against the trio, alleging that they had brought in voodooists to the House in the early hours of May 1 to perform certain rituals.
