The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has suspended three lawmakers from the state assembly.
The affected lawmakers are Donald Okogbe (PDP, Akoko-Edo II), Bright lyamu (PDP, Orhionmwon II), and Adeh Isibor (APC, Esan Northeast I).
According to report, the suspension was due to an alleged juju scare in the Assembly complex and an alleged plot to impeach the Speaker and other principal officers.
Agbebaku announced the suspension on Monday, May 6, 2024, during a plenary session, accusing the lawmakers of being influenced by external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the Assembly.
The Speaker claimed that some persons brought native doctors into the Assembly complex at midnight on May 1, 2024, made some demonic incantations, and dropped charms.
However, the affected lawmakers rejected the suspension, stating that the Speaker lacks the authority to unilaterally suspend them. They demanded a vote on the matter, citing the need for due process.
The suspension created tension in the Assembly, with the affected lawmakers and their supporters protesting the move.
In the ensuing rowdy session, the three suspended lawmakers were seen screaming in protest:
“Mr Speaker, you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member of the House.
“You must call for votes. Allow members vote on the matter,” they shouted.
The Speaker thereafter adjourned plenary abruptly. in the House as the affected lawmakers kicked against their suspension.