Edo Assembly crisis: Court restrains Gov Obaseki from issuing fresh proclamation

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday restrained the leadership of the National Assembly, the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service from taking over or interfering in the legislative functions of Edo State House of Assembly.

A copy of the ruling was sighted by Saturday Tribune on Friday.

The court also restrained the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) from sealing off the House of Assembly or obstructing the House in the performance of its duties.

The court also restrained Governor Godwin  Obaseki from issuing any fresh proclamation for holding of another first session for the House of Assembly.

Justice A.T. Mohammed made the orders after hearing a motion to that effect from R.O. Isenalumhe with Kingsley Idahosa, counsel for the plaintiffs, who are the deputy speaker of the House, Yekini Idiaye and Henry Okhuanebo, a member of the House.

The order reads: “The defendant/respondents having been served to appear to show cause why the application dated 24th day July, 2019 should not be granted, 1st – 4th defendants did not enter appearance despite proof of service on them; in view of the foregoing, it is therefore deemed that the 1st – 5th defendants have no cause to show against the grant of the plaintiffs/applicants application dated 24th day of July, 2019.

“The plaintiffs/applicants are granted an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st – 3rd defendant/respondents, their servant, agents, officers or privies from interfering or taking over the legislative functions of the Edo State House of Assembly pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“The plaintiffs/applicants are granted an order of interim injunction restraining the 4th – 5th defendant/respondents their servant, agents, officers or privies from  sealing off the Edo State House of Assembly or obstructing the plaintiffs/applicants in whatever manners in the performance of their constitutional duties as members of the Edo State House of Assembly, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“The plaintiffs/applicants are granted an order of interim injunction restraining the 6th defendant/respondent (Gov. Obaseki) from issuing any fresh proclamation for the holding of another first session for the Edo State House of Assembly pending the hearing and the determination substantive suit.

“Case is adjourned to 16th day of August, 2019 for mention.”