The African Action Congress governorship candidate for the 21 September governorship election in Edo State, Dr. Udoh Oberaifo, has criticized the unilateral suspension of three members of the State House of Assembly by the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.
Agbebaku announced the indefinite suspension of three lawmakers, namely, Donald Okogbe (PDP, Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (PDP, Orihonmwon South), and Adeh Isibor (APC, Esan North-East I), over an alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers.
Speaking to journalists in Benin, Oberaifo condemned the suspension, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional. He emphasized that the Speaker lacked the legal authority to suspend lawmakers elected by the people.
“What will now happen to the lawmaking, representation, and the constituents of these suspended members?” he questioned.
Oberaifo denounced the alleged tyranny of the speaker, stating that the suspension infringed on the rights of the people of Edo, the suspended members, and their constituents.
“Our courts have consistently held that disciplinary powers of legislative houses like Edo State House of Assembly do not extend to reckless suspension,” he said, citing legal precedents.
“It clearly shows the directionless lawmaking powers, offside decision-making of the PDP-led House of Assembly, and lack of respect for democratic institutions,” he added.
Oberaifo called for the recall of the suspended members in line with clear court precedents in similar matters. He urged the people to reject the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship elections and vote for the AAC candidate for credible governance and as a better alternative.
