BEVERLY HILLS, August 07, (THEWILL) – The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has described the moves by some members of the state Assembly to take over the leadership of the house as a failed coupt.
Obaseki who accused Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor, of being behind the crisis wondered why the former APC chairman is “bent on throwing the state into needless crisis” ahead of the September 19 governorship election.
On Thursday, 14 pro-Oshiomhole lawmakers whose seats had been declared vacant were sworn in at an undisclosed location after which they elected a new speaker, in a move which has created a parallel Assembly with the other group loyal to the governor led by the speaker, Hon. Frank Okiye
In a state broadcast on Friday, Obaseki said the attempt to invade the assembly complex “had all the hallmarks of an attempted coup d’état,” adding that his administration will do whatever it takes to defend the rule of law.
He added that the purported inauguration of the lawmakers was an “illegal assault on our democracy”.
“Any person or group of persons who set out to test our will in this regard will meet with the full wrath of the law,” the governor said.
“The people of Edo State rose as one to prevent the desecration of our democracy. It is however worrisome that certain persons are willing to plunge the society into avoidable anarchy and conflict just to satisfy their illegitimate objectives.
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“This unfortunate situation has festered because a former governor of the state is bent on throwing the state into crisis ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections.”
Obaseki said the action of the lawmakers on Thursday is “tantamount to treason,” adding: “This government will take all steps necessary to defend the rule of law and democratic ideals”.
