Edo State Speaker’s Removal: Police take over House

Police have taken over the Edo State House of Assembly complex in Benin City, the state capital.

Security officials and their patrol vehicles were seen stationed at the frontage of the House of Assembly.

The police took the action following a reported threat of an attack on the facility.

The Police team was led by Ayoola Ajala, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had ochestrated the removal of Francis Okiye, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and replaced him with Yekini Idiaye, the former Deputy Speaker.

Following the Speaker’s removal and Idiaye’s election as the new Speaker, he was expected to swear in the 14 members-elect of the house, who have since not been sworn in.

Some of the affected members-elect include:

1)Vincent Uwadiae, Ovia North-East II;

2)Ugiagbe Dumez, Ovia North-East I;

3)Washington Osifo, Uhunmwode

4)Victor Edoror, Esan Central

5)Kingsley Ugabi, Etsako East

6)Michael Ohio-Ezomo, Owan West

7)Sunday Aghedo, Ovia South-West

8)Chris Okaeben, Oredo West

9)Crosby Eribo, Egor

10)Seid Aliyu Oshiomhole, Etsako West II

11)Oshomah Ahmed, Etsako Central

12)Ganiyu Audu, Etsako West I

The Edo State House of Assembly had recently accused the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and other APC Leaders of plotting to forcefully take over the Edo Assembly. It was reported that a “fake mace” was brought in to perfect the act.

It also alleged that the plan was in connivance with the impeached Deputy Speaker, Yekini Idiaye who recently declared support for the governorship candidate of APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.