Sacked Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, was removed by seven pro-Governor Godwin Obaseki assemblymen in Government House, Benin, for pitching tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, according to a report by The Nation.
However, the seven lawmakers led by the Speaker, Francis Okiye, claimed Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo constituency I, was removed on grounds of gross misconduct and divulging of official secrets.
The Nation gathered that the pro-Obaseki lawmakers had been sitting inside Government House for over a month, claiming the Assembly Complex at Ring Road, Benin, was being fumigated over COVID-19 scare.
The relocation to the Government House, it was learnt, was to monitor the pro-Obaseki lawmakers and ensure they remain true to the Governor’s cause.
It was gathered that seventeen out of the twenty-four members of Edo Assembly, are now backing Ize-Iyamu from the initial fourteen
The Deputy Speaker and four other lawmakers on Monday visited Ize-Iyamu at his private residence in Benin, and pledged to support his bid.
Idiaye was joined by Emmanuel Agbaje (Akoko-Edo constituency II); Nosayaba Okunbor (Orhiomwon East constituency); Dumez Ugiagbe (member-elect, Ovia Northeast constituency I) and Vincent Uwadiae (member-elect, Ovia Northeast constituency II).
They insisted that they will not dump the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Obaseki.
The now ex-Deputy Speaker said at the visit: “There is no reason for me to defect to another political party because there is no single project in my village to show under this present administration.
“I am from Somorika in Akoko Edo Local government Area and my village is the most backward in Akoko Edo LGA.”
Further investigation by The Nation revealed Idiaye’s action was considered a slight by Pro-Obaseki lawmakers who quickly moved against him.
The motion for his removal was moved by Henry Okhuarobo and seconded by Marcus Onobun.
Okhuarobo said during the session: “Mr. Speaker, with me is a notice of impeachment of the Deputy Speaker of the House, signed by two-third members of the House (made up of seven members, including the Speaker).
“The impeachment of the Deputy Speaker is on the grounds of gross misconduct and divulging of official secrets.”
Following deliberations on the motion, the seven lawmakers unanimously adopted it through a voice vote.
The Speaker pronounced Idaiye removed and named Roland Asoro as his replacement.
The motion for nomination of Asoro as the new Deputy Speaker was moved by Emmanuel Okoduwa and seconded by Ephraim Aluebhosele.
The former Chief Whip Henry Okhuarobo was elevated to Leader of the House while Deputy Leader, Marcus Onobun, was made the Chief Whip and Sunny Ojiezele became the Deputy Leader.
Ephraim Aluebhosele was elevated to the position of Deputy Whip while Emmanuel Okoduwa was made a co-opted member of the principal officers’ council.
Source: The Nation
