Edo Speaker raises alarm over plot to take over Assembly

The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Hon Francis Okiye on Wednesday, raised alarm over alleged plot by some persons to forcefully take over the Assembly.

Speaking during plenary, Okiye alleged that there was a plan by a sitting governor and stakeholders in his party to import fake mace to take over the Assembly.

“This plan is in cahoots with the former deputy speaker, Assemblyman Yekini Idaiye, who recently declared support for the candidate of the APC.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently call the governor and others working with him to desist and allow laws of state to guide them.

“The state polity is already heated by the high political tension from the electioneering campaigns.

“Their planned action is akin to lighting a match in an already tensed political environment.

“We call on Edo people, whose mandate and interest the state legislature hold and protect, to rise against this planned plot to subvert their will using external forces.

“We urged lovers of democracy across the world, that uphold democratic tenets and values, to denounce this planned illegality that seeks to distract a duly constituted authority,” he said.

Idaiye, who declared support for the candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of APC in the Sept. 19 governorship polls, was on Wednesday removed as deputy speaker of the assembly on allegations of misconduct.

He was replaced by Roland Asoro.