BENIN CITY – The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Edoror, was yesterday impeached by16 out of the 24 members of the assembly during plenary session.
Hon. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ativie (Uhunmwode constituency), the first and only female member was elected by the lawmakers as the new Speaker.
The impeachment was sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Foly Ogedengbe (APC- Owan West) and seconded by Hon. Patrick Iluobe (PDP –Esan East).
“This is an impeachment notice signed by 16 members that the Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror and his Deputy are hereby impeached,” Hon. Ogedengbe said during the House sitting.
The Majority Leader shortly after moving the motion nominated Hon. Patrick Iluobe.
Speaker Protempore who presided over the election process that saw the emergence of Ativie as the new Speaker.
The Speaker Protempore called for the nomination for a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker to preside over the affairs of the House.
Hon. Ativie’s name was submitted as Speaker by Hon. Victor Aisien, while Hon. Justin  Okonobo, was nominated as Deputy Speaker by Hon. Henry Okhuarobo.
The nomination of Hon. Mrs. Ativie and Hon. Justin Okonoboh was unanimously approved by the House.
A mild drama, however, ensued immediately after the new speaker took her seat when some suspected thugs led by the impeached Speaker invaded the chambers.
The situation which degenerated into a free for all between the 16 Lawmakers including the impeached Speaker and his supporters prompted security and  operatives to immediately take over the control of the assembly’s premises as staff  scampered for safety.
The 16 Lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice are Hon. Barr. Foly Ogedengbe (APC- Owan –East), Hon. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ativie (APC –Uhunmwode), Hon. Ojo Aisien (APC-Owan West), Hon Damian Lawani (APC –Etsako Central) and Hon. Henry Okhuorobo (APC –Ikpoba Okha).
Others are Hon. Nosa Okunbor (APC- Orhionmwon East), Hon. Chris Okaeben (APC-Oredo-West), Hon. Emmanuel Abaje (APC-Akoko Edo I).
Hon. Sylvanus Eruaga (PDP-Etsako West II), Hon. Patrick Iluobe (PDP-Esan North-East), Hon. Gani Audu (APC-Etsako-West) I), Hon. Kabir Adjoto (APC- Akoko Edo II), Hon. Crosby Eribo (APC-Egor), Hon. Kingsley Ugabi (APC- Etsako-East), Hon. Ezehi Igbas (PDP-Esan North-East II) and Hon. Justin Okhonobo.
The new Speaker Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Ativie after taking over suspended the impeached Speaker, Hon. Edoror for three months for invading the chambers with thugs.
Rt. Hon. Ativie who briefed newsmen shortly after the former speaker was impeached said the House took the decision to impeach the speaker on the grounds of high-handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness.
“The removal of the speaker is a victory for democracy and freedom for Edo House of Assembly.  We are all witnesses to how he has brought the House to disrepute.
“We have taken this decision today because he invaded the hallowed chambers with thugs.  Due process was followed in the impeachment of the speaker.
According to her, a five-man committee has been set up to investigate the finances of the House from June, 2015 to May 2016.
The impeached speaker later presided over a plenary session attended by seven members, describing his alleged impeachment as unfortunate.
Edoror added that “what they have done this morning is not legal as eleven lawmakers cannot impeach the speaker. We will set up a committee to investigate the matter.  We are not going to suspend anybody.”

Related News