Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos

Youths in Edo under aegis of Edo Progressives Front (EPF) on Wednesday vowed to resist the takeover of the Edo State House of Assembly by the National Assembly saying the plot is to frustrate the state governor, Godwin Obaseki from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

The Senate had on Tuesday threatened to take over the Edo State House of Assembly within a week if Governor Obaseki fails to comply with the resolution mandating him to issue a fresh proclamation for the ‘proper’ inauguration of the house.


Adopting a report presented by its ad-hoc committee, which investigated the development in the state assembly, the Senate claimed that the process leading to the June 17, 2019 inauguration was improper and a breach of global parliamentary practices.

It also mandated the governor to properly inform all the 24 members of the assembly through adverts in print and electronic media.

However, the governor has insisted that he will not issue a fresh proclamation as it is unconstitutional for him to do so.

He said he has finished his work as far as the inauguration of the Assembly is concerned.


In a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, Moses Asiriuwa, leader of the youths said EPF is ready to mobilise over 10,000 youths to the House of Assembly to stop the takeover of the House.

While urging President Muhammadu Buhari and the Oba of Benin to call the federal lawmakers to order, Asiriuwa said the attempt to prevent the Edo Assembly from functioning is a “calculated attempt by the Federal lawmakers who are acting a script to frustrate Governor Godwin Obaseki from performing his role as the number one citizen of the state.

“We have watched with keen interest developments in the Senate and House of Assembly on the issue playing out in the Edo State House of Assembly and we make bold to say that the threat to take over the Assembly is uncalled for and provocative.

“When the House of Representatives made its decision last week asking the governor to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the lawmakers, many senior lawyers faulted the move saying it is unconstitutional as proclamation can only be done once.

“Rather than right the wrong made by the lower chamber, the Senate, under Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday also upheld the illegality so as to be on the same page with their counterparts in the House of Representatives.

“Since it has been established that it is unconstitutional for proclamation to be done more than once, we expect the federal lawmakers to advise the aggrieved lawmakers-elect to present themselves for swearing in instead of threatening the governor to do what is illegal.

“EPF is ready to mobilise over 10,000 Edo youths to the Assembly next week to prevent its invasion. We hereby appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Oba of Benin, HRM Oba Ewuare II to intervene before the already tensed situation gets out of hand.”

Speaking with our correspondent, Anselm Ojezua, the State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged restraint on the part of the federal lawmakers and the youths saying they should allow the courts make pronouncement on the matter.

“No,I don’t want any war. Since the matter is in court, let all of us be patient and take direction from the court.”

“But that is entirely up to the national assembly because they are entitled to their own decision and of course, they will take responsibility for whatever it brings.”
https://www.independent.ng/showdown-looms-as-over-10000-youths-vow-to-resist-nass-takeover-of-edo-assembly/

Oshiomole should let Obaseki be, when he (Oshiomole) ran Edo like a dictator, heavens did not fall

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