The Edo State House of Assembly's Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, suspended three lawmakers on Monday due to a suspected plan to remove him and other top officers of the Assembly.
Donald Okogbe, who is a member of the PDP representing Akoko-Edo II and an ally of the impeached deputy governor Philip Shaibu, was among those suspended. He was the sole lawmaker who did not sign the petition that led to Shaibu’s impeachment.
The other two suspended lawmakers are Addeh Emankhu Isibor of the APC representing Esan North-East I, and Iyamu Bright of the PDP representing Orhionnwon II.
Agbebaku also accused the trio of bringing traditional healers to the House on May 1 around 1am to perform a ritual.
Agbebaku mentioned that the three lawmakers were suspended indefinitely, alleging that external forces were influencing them to cause disorder and oust the leadership of the house.
The suspension of the lawmakers, however, led to tension in the House as the affected lawmakers protested against their suspension.
During a chaotic session, the three suspended lawmakers were heard shouting, “Mr Speaker, you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member(s) of the house.
“You must call for votes. Allow members vote on the matter.”
Later, the Speaker abruptly adjourned the plenary.
