Breaking: Edo crisis takes new dimension as Speaker declares Lawmakers’ seat vacant

The crisis rocking Edo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) Wednesday took a different dimension following the declaration as vacant, 12 seats of members-elect by the State House of Assembly.

Two other lawmakers’ seats, messers  Uyi Ekhosuehi and Mr Henry Okaka representing  Oredo East and Owan East respectively  who reportedly did not meet mandatory sitting requirement were also declared vacant during plenary at the Assembly complex.

The Assembly  called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-  election  within 90 days  for the affected constituencies.

While the duo  of  Uyi and Okaka were said to have  absconded  from plenary after the inauguration of the seventh assembly on  June 17, 2019,  the other 12 members-elect never presented themselves for inauguration.

The affected 12 members-elect are: Sunday Aghedo Ovia  South-West, Chris Okaeben  Oredo West, Crosby Eribo  Egor, Aliyu Oshiomhole  Etsako  West 2, Oshomah  Ahmed  Etsako Central and Ganiyu  Audu  Etsako West 1.

Others include,  Vincent Uwadiae Ovia North-East 2, Ugiagbe Dumez  Ovia North-East 1, Washington Osifo Uhunmwode, Victor Edoror  Esan Central, Kingsley Ugabi  Etsako East, Michael Ohio-Ezomo  Owan West.

Speaker Frank Okiye who declared the embattled lawmakers seats vacant said  the move is “in accordance with  section 109 subsection 1F of the constitution”.

 Okiye explained that “the 12 members-elect defiantly refused to come forward to process the necessary documentation as part of the condition for their inauguration”.

According to him, “12 out of the 24 members-elect who completed their screening and documentation process were inaugurated on June  17, 2019 out of which two of them have refused to discharge their legislative duties.

 “They have refused to represent their constituents in the House invariably denying their constituents  effective representation .

“At this point, I am declaring the seats of the 12 members-elect vacant in accordance with  section 109 subsection 1F of the constitution,” Okiye said.

Crisis broke out in the Assembly after the “midnight inauguration” of 12 out of 24 members-elect on June 21 during which Frank Okiye emerged speaker.

The other  members-elect who are believed to be loyal ex-governor of the State, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole  protested the development and have  consequently to shunned the assembly activities over alleged security concerns. 

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