…House adjourns sitting to July 17, 2019
BY ALLTIMEPOST.COM, WITH VANGUARD REPORT
Following the much-awaited proclamation letter by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the new Edo State House of Assembly was inaugurated in Benin City at about 3: pm on Monday June 17, 2019.
The Clerk of the House, Alhaji Audu Yahaya Omogbai, ushered the members-elect into the chambers and read out the letter of proclamation transmitted to his office by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
After reading the letter, the clerk proclaimed the House and the members-elect began the process of electing the House leadership, with Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye of Esan North East Constituency I, emerging the Speaker, while Hon. Yekini Idiaye of Akoko Edo Constituency I, was elected Deputy Speaker.
Upon completion of the process of swearing-in, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Okiye took charge of proceedings and thanked all the members-elect present for the confidence reposed in him, promising that he would work for the people of Edo State.
He also called on members-elect who have not satisfied the process of swearing-in, which includes the completion of the asset declaration form, to do so speedily so they could be inaugurated to undertake the task for which the people elected them.
The speaker also declared that the lines of communication with the executive arm of government and all other organs of government officially open.
According to him, “It is with the deepest sense of humility that I receive this call to serve the people and I assure that I will do all in my power to serve their best interest at all times.
“I congratulate my colleagues and fellow members who are today inaugurated and urge other members-elect who are yet to meet up with the requirements for inauguration to do so without delay so they can join this honorable house in the discharge of its responsibilities.”
The motion for adjournment was raised by the Speaker and the House was adjourned till July 17, 2019. The reason for the long period of adjournment, it was gathered, was to make room for logistics for their allocation of accommodation, offices, vehicles and other materials to make for smooth legislative activities.
A legislative committee was set up to superintend over the logistics of the allocation to ensure a smooth exercise.
The committee was chaired by Hon. Roland Asoro of Orhionwon South Constituency Among members present at the inauguration are Hon. Nosa Okunbor; Hon. Henry Okuarobo; Hon. Uyi Ekhosuehi; Hon. Marcus Onobun; Hon. Ephraim Anehbosele; Hon. Roland Asoro; Hon. Eric Okaka; Hon Frank Okiye and Hon Yekini Idiaye.
The inaguration of the Assembly is coming on the heels of mounting and fierce criticism of Governor Obaseki by the opposition, including the state branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a section of the civil society, such as the Talakawas Parliament, headed by Mr. Kola Edokpayi.
They had accused the governor of running foul of the constitution for not proclaiming the Assembly after President Muhammadu Buhari proclaimed the 9th National Assembly last week.
In the last statement signed by its Publicity on Monday, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, rival Peoples Democratic Party threatened a legal action against Governor Obaseki for allegedly failing to act.
It said: This press release is without prejudice to earlier statement issued by Edo PDP and for the information of the general public.
Consequent upon the failure of Governor Godwin Obaseki to issue a letter of proclamation for the Edo State House of Assembly, the Edo State PDP, led by Chief Dan Osi Orbih, has directed its legally team to proceed to court and seek an order of mandamus on Gov Godwin Obaseki to do the needful!
This course of action has become imperative as Edo PDP in utter bemusement read a statement titled “Democracy Under threat as Governor Obaseki Refuse To Issue letter of Proclamation for The Inauguration of The Edo State House of Assembly” signed by APC members-elect.
We as a responsible political party cannot ignore the obvious drift to tyranny and impending catastrophe been orchestrated by the governor and his party.
The PDP had described Obaseki’s non-proclamation of the Assembly as a constitutional and impeachable offense in an earlier statement, titled EDO STATE, OMINOUS RUMBLINGS OF DICTATORSHIP BY GOVERNOR OBASEKI.
In that statement, signed by its image maker, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, the party said:
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear on the three arms of government, their roles and responsibilities .
What is playing out today in Edo State is that the executive arm led by Governor Godwin Obaseki has clearly and illegally stopped the legislature from performing it’s constitutional role by refusing to send the official proclamation letter to Clerk of the House for the inauguration of the 7th Assembly.
By his unconstitutional act, he as assumed the character of a sole administrator. EDO PDP is uncomfortable with this unfortunate development.
We knew the inherent dangers of the APC magical claim of 24 over 24. As a party we want it on record that this unpleasant development has nothing to do with EDO PDP but a product of greed and inordinate ambition of a non performing government who is afraid of its shadows. As at 2pm, today, June 17, 2019, Governor Obaseki has not given any official reason for his impeachable action.
Edo PDP condemns this assault on our democracy and calls on all lovers of Democracy to call governor Obaseki to order. Don’t gamble with the destiny of our state because of internal party disagreement and intrigues.
You will recall that Governor Obaseki and his sycophants rejoiced over the 24/24 mathematical contraption or manipulation of the state assembly elections. Isn’t it contradictory and ironic that a government and party that claimed this Pyrrhic victory, cannot proclaim its Assembly?
It’s indeed sad to observe that EDO state under the APC is now last in everything including the proclamation of the state assembly. “ When robbers share their loot,there is always disagreements”. We urge the Governor to do the needful and transmit the letter of proclamation to the clerk without further delay.
