Edo Speaker foils impeachment plot, suspends three lawmakers

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday suspended three members of the house over an alleged plot to impeach him and other Principal Officers Council,  POC.

The three lawmakers were suspended at plenary.

The suspended lawmakers are two Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and one All Progressives Congress, APC, members.

The lawmakers are Okogbe Ojeneh Donald, PDP, Akoko-Edo II, Addeh Emankhu Isibor, APC, Esan North-East I and Iyamu Bright, PDP, Orhionnwon II.

Agbebaku, who said the trio were suspended indefinitely, alleged that they plot to change the leadership of the house.

He alleged  that the three suspended members were being influenced by external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the house.

He also alleged that some persons brought native doctors into the house at midnight on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 to make some demonic incantations and dropped charms in the assembly complex.

The suspension of the lawmakers, however, created tension at the house as the affected lawmakers kicked against their suspension.

In a rowdy session, the three suspended lawmakers were seen screaming, “Mr speaker you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member(s) of the house.

“You must call for votes. Allow members to vote on the matter,” they shouted.

The Speaker thereafter adjourned plenary abruptly.