In a recent development at the Edo State House of Assembly, three lawmakers have been suspended following accusations of inviting native doctors to the assembly complex.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku made the announcement during a plenary session on Monday, May 6, 2024.
The suspended legislators include Donald Okogbe of the PDP representing Akoko-Edo II, who is known for his support of ousted deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.
Okogbe notably abstained from endorsing the petition that led to Shaibu’s removal from office. The other two suspended members are Addeh Emankhu Isibor of the APC representing Esan North-East I, and Iyamu Bright of the PDP representing Orhionnwon II.
Speaker Agbebaku alleged that “the three legislators summoned native doctors to the premises at 1am on May 1, to conduct a ritual,” suggesting they were being influenced by external forces to destabilize the house’s leadership.
Following the announcement, a rowdy session erupted in the assembly, with the suspended lawmakers protesting against the unilateral decision of the speaker. They argued that the speaker should have called for a vote before imposing suspensions.
“Mr Speaker, you don’t have the right to unilaterally suspend any member of the house. You must call for votes. Allow members to vote on the matter,” the affected lawmakers stated in protest.
The abrupt adjournment of the plenary session followed the heated exchange between the speaker and the affected lawmakers, leaving the situation unresolved as tensions continue within the assembly.
