Police Surround Edo Assembly As Lawmakers Lift Suspension On Impeached Speaker

SAN FRANCISCO, May 09, (THEWILL) – As a way of averting possible breakdown of law and order, the police on Monday cordoned off the Edo state House of Assembly, same day that the House lifted the suspension slammed on its impeached Speaker, Victor Edoro, APC-Esan Central.

Crisis erupted last Wednesday after 16 out of the 24-member assembly removed the Speaker, Victor Edoro, and his deputy for alleged high-handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness. Mr. Edoro was immediately replaced with Mr. Elizabeth Ativie.

After the Speaker's removal, thugs loyal to both sides took over the assembly complex and engaged in a shooting match. Edoro was subsequently suspended for three months for allegedly “invading the hallowed chambers with thugs'' after his impeachment.

But on Monday, no fewer than 10 Hilux patrol vans and an armoured personnel carrier, APC, were strategically stationed within and around the state assembly complex. There were also regular and mobile police operatives positioned at the three entrances to the assembly to prevent access into the complex.

While announcing the lifting of the suspension on her predecessor during the day's plenary, Ativie said: “In the spirit of reconciliation, we hereby lift the suspension placed on the former speaker, Victor Edoror.

“He is by the announcement welcome back to the house,'' she said.

The assembly elected members of the Principal Officers Council, POC, which included: Mr Ogedengbe, APC-Owan East, Majority Leader; Kabiru Adjoto, APC-Akoko- Edo 1, Chief Whip; Henry Okhuorobo, APC-Ikpoba Okha, Deputy House Leader; and Patrick Iluobe, PDP-Esan North East 1, Minority Leader.