Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday, announced the suspension of three lawmakers over their alleged involvement in a plot to impeach him and other principal officers of the Assembly.
The suspended lawmakers include Donald Okogbe of the PDP representing Akoko-Edo II, an ally of the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, as well as Addeh Emankhu Isibor of the APC representing Esan North-East I, and Iyamu Bright of the PDP representing Orhionnwon II.
The suspension stems from accusations leveled by Speaker Agbebaku, who claimed that the trio orchestrated a scheme to undermine the leadership of the House.
Specifically, they were accused of attempting to impeach the Speaker and other principal officers, with Donald Okogbe singled out for his perceived alliance with the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.
Moreover, Agbebaku alleged that the suspended lawmakers resorted to unconventional means by bringing native doctors into the House on May 1st, purportedly to perform rituals aimed at influencing the proceedings.
Consequently, the Speaker announced the indefinite suspension of the three lawmakers, citing concerns about external influences attempting to sow discord and destabilize the House’s leadership.
However, the suspension sparked uproar within the Assembly, with the affected lawmakers vehemently protesting against their expulsion.
In a chaotic session marked by shouting and protests, the suspended lawmakers challenged the Speaker’s authority, arguing that the decision to suspend them should have been put to a vote among the members.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Speaker Agbebaku abruptly adjourned the plenary, leaving the matter unresolved and further exacerbating the rift within the Assembly.
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