Expressing dismay, Udoh Oberaifo, running for governor under the African Action Congress (AAC) in Edo State’s September 21 election, has strongly criticized the suspension imposed on three State House of Assembly members by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku.
In a recent plenary session, Agbebaku made the decision to suspend the lawmakers, accusing them of a alleged scheme to impeach him and other key officials.
The legislators facing suspension include Donald Okogbe (PDP, Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (PDP, Orihonmwon South II), and Addeh Isibor (Esan North East 1).
Oberaifo firmly denounces the Speaker’s move to suspend the trio, labeling it as both unlawful and infringing on constitutional rights.
He asserts that the Speaker does not hold the rightful authority to suspend an elected representative chosen by the people in a democratic manner.
The AAC candidate highlights that the Speaker’s actions encroach on the rights of Edo State citizens, the suspended lawmakers, and their electorates.
“What will be the fate of legislative duties, representation, and the people represented by the suspended lawmakers?” he questioned.
“Various court rulings have consistently ruled against arbitrary suspensions such as this one imposed by the Edo State House of Assembly,” he added.
He supports his argument by citing the case of the suspension of Hon. Gubaya from the Bauchi State House of Assembly for three months, which was deemed illegal by the court of appeal.
“The unwarranted suspension of these Edo House of Assembly members is baseless, unjust, illegal, and clearly unconstitutional,” he stated.
He urges for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers in accordance with established legal precedents.
Oberaifo further calls on the populace to reject the PDP in the upcoming gubernatorial election and choose the AAC for a more reliable and competent administration.