The gubernatorial candidate of The African Action Congress (AAC) in the forthcoming Governorship election in in Edo State, Dr Udoh Oberaifo, has frowned at the suspension of three members of the Edo State House of Assembly.
It would be recalled that The Speaker of House, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday suspended three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers council (POC).
Those suspended were Hons Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo 11); Bright Iyamu (PDP Orihonmwon South); and Adeh Isibor, (Esan North East 1).
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In his reaction to the suspension in Benin the Edo state Capital, Oberaifo said it was illegal and unconstitutional, he stressed that The Speaker lacked the legal backing to suspend a lawmaker democratically elected by the people. “So what will now happen to the lawmaking, representation and the constituents of these suspended members.” He said while noting 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 the Edo State house of assembly do not extend to reckless suspension.
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“The court of appeal in Bauchi State House of Assembly & ors v. Guyaba 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 the case of Akinribido v Ondo State House of Assembly.
“The point I wish to state here is that the clear malicious suspension of the 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.
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He called called for the recall of the suspended members in line with clear court precedents in similar matters.
saying that the people can no longer continue with the quality of governance and lawmaking by PDP in the state.
The gubernatorial candidate urged the people to reject the PDP in the forthcoming governorship elections and vote for AAC as a better alternative and for credible governance.
