Edo speaker: Attempt to create a parallel parliament capable of truncating democracy

Francis Okiye, speaker of the Edo house of assembly, says the attempt to create a parallel parliament in the state is capable of truncating democracy.

Last week, 14 lawmakers-elect took their oath of office and announced that they had elected Victor Edoror as speaker.

The lawmakers who are of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also said they had impeached Okiye.

But speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Okiye said the APC lawmakers were creating “endless distractions”.

“It has come to my notice that some persons who are not members of this House or persons entitled to any seat in this house are currently parading themselves as members of the Edo State House of Assembly.

“I urge members of the public particularly the people of Edo State to disregard and completely ignore the persons parading themselves as members of the Edo State House of Assembly namely: Victor Sabor Edoror, Washginton Osifo, Vincent Uwadiae, Kinsley Ugabi, Micheal Ohio-Ezomo, Sunday Aghedo, Chris Okaeben, Crosby Eribo, Aliyu Oshiomhole, Oshomah Ahmed, Ganiyu Audu, Ugiagbe Dumez, Uyi Ekhosuehi and Eric Okaka,” he said.

“I advise the aforesaid former members-elect of the House of Assembly to pursue the cases they have filed in Court. The remedy of self help is primitive and does not accord with the rule of law.

“The honourable house hereby condemns the illegal and unconstitutional act of the 14 former members and three (3) members who had presented their certificates of return and subscribed to the Oath of Office on 17th of June, 2019.

“Their action is capable of truncating democracy in Edo State in particular and the country in general.

“The Governor of Edo State as the Chief Security Officer of the state and the various security agencies (Federal and State) should ensure the protection of lives and property of Edo State and its citizens.”