Thugs invade Edo Assembly as lawmakers impeach deputy speaker

THE raging cold war between Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Adjoto (Akoko Edo) and his deputy, Mr Victor Tiger Edoror (Esan Central) climaxed in the impeachment of the later yesterday by 16 of the 24 members.

The impeachment may however not be unconnected with the fall out of the recent primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during which both men were reported to have pitched tents with the different feuding political blocs in the state.

Suspected political thugs who milled at the car park invaded the sprawling complex in a show of force following the impeachment of Edoror.

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In place of Edoror, former Speaker Justin Okonobo (Igueben) was nominated as the new deputy speaker.

The duo of Mr Folly Ogedegbe (Owan East) and Alhaji Gani Audu and (Etsako West11) were also suspended for three months over alleged unruly conduct.

Shortly after the House commenced sitting, the Chief Whip, Mr Osaigbovo Iyoha had drawn the attention of the House to the impeachment notice purportedly signed by 16 members accusing the ex-deputy speaker of misappropriation of funds, corruption and act of desperation capable of throwing the House into confusion

Amidst chaos, the impeachment motion was promptly seconded by Mr Emmanuel Agbaje (Akoko Edo 11).

The plenary was however thrown into confusion when the embattled deputy speaker rushed for the mace and laid hold to it for over 45 minutes, an aftermath of unfruitful attempt to move a counter motion of impeachment against the speaker

The speaker equally refused to recognized Ogedegbe who in a counter motion accused him of embezzling N100 million fund belonging to the House.

Meanwhile, it took the effort of the security men, mainly armed mobile policemen who were stationed at the three entrance gates to the assembly as early as 7 am from stopping the fierce looking thugs armed with sticks from attacking the anti speaker lawmakers

Speaking after the impeachment, Adjoto declared: “I will always be loyal to APC party. The interest of the state is much greater than the interest of an individual. As APC members, we are working hard to ensure that President Buhari wins come 2019.”