From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Dr. Udoh Oberaifo, has condemned the suspension of three members of the state House of Assembly by the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.
Recall that Hon. Agbebaku had yesterday, suspended three lawmakers over alleged plot to impeach him and other Principal Officers Council (POC) of the House.
Speaking to newsmen in Benin, Oberaifo described the suspension of the lawmakers as illegal and unconstitutional, saying that the Speaker lacked the legal power and right to suspend a lawmaker democratically elected by the people.
“So what will now happen to the lawmaking, representation and the constituents of this suspended members”, he queried, stating that the tyranny of the Speaker clearly infringes on the rights of the good 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.
“The court of appeal in Bauchi State House of Assembly & Ors v. Gubaya agreed with the trial court in holding that the suspension of a then House of Assembly member, Hon. Gubaya for three months was illegal.
“Recently, the court also took a similar view in case of Akinribido v Ondo State House of Assembly.
“The point I wish to state here is that the clear malicious suspension of this members of Edo House of Assembly for whatever reasons by the speaker, is laughable, unjustifiable, illegal and clearly unconstitutional.
“It clearly shows the directionless lawmaking powers, offside decision making of the PDP led House of Assembly, and lack of respect for democratic institutions”, Oberaifo said.
He, therefore, called for the recall of the suspended members in line with clear court precedents in similar matters, pointing out that the action of the Speaker shows that Edo people can no longer continue with the status quo of the PDP governance and law making in the state.
He urged Edo people to reject the PDP in the forthcoming governorship election and vote the candidate of the AAC as a better alternative and for credible governance.