A Benin, Edo State-based legal practitioner, Mr Jefferson Uwohiren has accused All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of being the brain behind the ongoing crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly.
Speaking on Channels Television flagship programme, Sunrise, Uwoghiren stated that the crises was being orchestrated by Comrade Oshiomhole in order to give the impression that Governor Godwin Obaseki was incapable of running the state.
He noted that Oshiomhole is working seriously towards frustrating the second term bid of Governor Obaseki and hinted that the former Governor actually nominated majority of the members of Obaseki’s cabinet.
He noted that Hon. Frank Okiye was duly elected as Speaker because the Governor had sent his proclamation as required by law and the Clerk of the House read that letter to the hearing of all.
“The law said members of the house in sitting will elect a speaker from among themselves and the members who were there and formed the required quorum, elected a speaker.
When asked if it was okay that 15 other members were absent at the inauguration, Mr Uwoghiren noted that he was speaking as a lawyer that no matter the circumstances that led to their absence once the clerk had read the letter from the Governor and the members had formed a quorum, the Speaker’s election was valid.
He added that until the members-elect are sworn in by the Speaker as required by law they cannot enjoy the privileges accorded House of Reps members, he therefore urged them to retrace their step and work with the new speaker for the betterment of the state.
