By Wisdom Nwedene
Few weeks after impeachment of Philip Shaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor, the state house of assembly has suspended three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach the speaker and other principal officers.
The speaker of the house, Blessing Agbebaku announced the suspension of the lawmakers during plenary on Monday monitored by 9News Nigeria correspondent in Edo State.
The suspended lawmakers are Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo 11), Bright Iyamu (PDP Orihonmwon south) and Adeh Isibor (PDP Esan north-east 1).
According to the Speaker, the lawmakers are being used by some external forces to cause chaos in a bid to remove the leadership of the house.
After the speaker announced the suspension, there was a rowdy session in the assembly as the suspended lawmakers questioned the unilateral decision of the speaker.
“Mr Speaker, you don’t have the right to unilaterally suspend any member of the house. You must call for votes. Allow members to vote on the matter,” the lawmakers said.
Afterwards, the speaker abruptly adjourned plenary.
Recall that in April, the assembly impeached Philip Shaibu as the deputy governor after the report of a seven-member investigative panel was adopted.
The panel was set up by Daniel Okungbowa, chief judge of Edo, and was headed by S. A. Omonuwa, a retired justice.
Shaibu was accused of “misconduct, perjury, and disclosure of government secrets”.
Subsequently, Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, picked Omobayo Godwins as his deputy.
Meanwhile, the three Lawmakers are yet to comment on the suspension.
