8th March, 2016
…I was caught unaware – Speaker
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
There was mild drama at the Edo State House of Assembly in Benin, the state capital on Tuesday, following a shouting match between lawmakers during a plenary.
Causes of the shouting matches which abruptly ended the plenary was however unknown to anyone.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoro, who expressed worry at the development as the members were seen shouting at each other without reasons, said he was “caught unaware.”
After the drama, Mr Ojo Asein, the APC lawmaker representing Owan West, moved a motion for the house to adjourn sine die.
Following the mood of the lawmakers in the chamber, the Speaker, Hon. Edoror, adjourned plenary.
Edoro however over ruled the sine die adjournment motion moved by Hon. Asien, and announced an adjournment of two weeks.
The visibly worried Speaker while addressing journalists shortly after the adjournment of the plenary, said: “Gentlemen of the press, I was caught unaware. We are heading for an executive session to find out their grievances and resolve the crisis. I believe that the issues are resolvable.”
A source at the assembly who wished to remain anonymous, liked the grievances of the lawmaker to poor funding and non release of money for purchase of official vehicles for the lawmakers by the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
When contacted for comment on the allegation, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, declined comment, saying; “Let the Assembly Spokesman speak to you, I don’t speak for the Assembly.”