7th May, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for the 21 September governorship election in Edo State, Dr Udoh Oberaifo, has condemned the unilateral suspension of three members of the State House of Assembly by the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.
Agbebaku had on Monday slammed an indefinite suspension on the three lawmakers, namely, Donald Okogbe (PDP, Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (PDP, Orihonmwon South) and Adeh Isibor, (APC, Esan North-East I), over alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers council (POC).
Speaking to journalists in Benin, Oberaifo described the suspension of the three lawmakers as illegal and unconstitutional
He noted that the Speaker lacked the legal power and right to suspend a lawmaker democratically elected by the people.
“What will now happen to the lawmaking, representation and the constituents of this suspended members,” he asked.
The AAC gubernatorial candidate who denounce alleged tyranny of the Speaker, added that he clearly infringed on the rights of the good people of Edo, the suspended members and their constituents.
“Our courts have consistently held that disciplinary powers of legislative houses like Edo State House of Assembly do not extend to reckless suspension.
“The court of appeal in BAUCHI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY & ORS v. GUYABA agreed with the trial court in holding that the suspension of a then House of Assembly member, Hon. Gubaya, for three months was illegal.
“Recently, the court also took a similar view in the case of Akinribido v Ondo State House of Assembly.
“The point I wish to state here is that the clear malicious suspension of this members of Edo State House of Assembly for whatever reasons by the Speaker, is laughable, unjustifiable, illegal and clearly unconstitutional.
“It clearly shows the directionless lawmaking powers, offside decision-making of the PDP-led House of Assembly, and lack of respect for democratic institutions,” he said.
Oberaifo therefore called for the recall of the suspended members in line with clear court precedents in similar matters.
He added that the above shows that Edo people can no longer continue with the status quo of the PDP governance and law making in the state.
He therefore urged the people to reject the PDP in the forthcoming governorship elections and vote the candidate of the AAC as a better, alternative and for credible governance.