UNCOVERED: Edo Speaker Plans Okaeben’s Suspension
By Ezenwa Paul
BENIN-CITY/Nigeria: The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, is presently nursing a sinister plan to suspend Honorable Chris Okaeben who represents Oredo West as a way of displaying his loyalty to Godwin Obaseki, some sources familiar with the matter have disclosed.
This is part of Godwin Obaseki’s illegal and despotic move to punish political leaders suspected to be loyal to his predecessor.
Weeks ago, in a meeting with Oredo leaders, Godwin Obaseki had allegedly threatened to get rid of Chris Okaeben by any means possible over his suspected ties with the National Leader of the APC.
It has now been allegedly disclosed that Governor has directed the Speaker to find a way to suspend the member as a way to show where his loyalty lies, following the epic collapse of a committee formed to indict Adams Oshiomhole over the closure of Central Hospital as some members of the House resisted the move.
Ordinarily, the Legislative arm of government ought to be independent and free of undue influence from the Executive arm of government. However, in a desperate bid to enjoy patronage, Kabiru Adjoto has sacrificed the integrity and independence of the arm he leads to Godwin Obaseki.
It should be recalled that the Speaker, whose tenure is winding down, is presently relying on an effort allegedly spearheaded by the Governor and other government officials to purchase a favorable Supreme Court judgement which would see him snatch the mandate of Peter Akpatason to represent his people in the Federal House of Representatives.
A combination of these factors has made the Speaker a willing tool in the hands of Godwin Obaseki who has now demanded the suspension of Honorable Chris Okaeben.
Irrespective of the personalities involved, this illegal move should be condemned by all as it represents an affront on the separation of powers, rule of law and fair hearing. It also has the potential of causing chaos as a constituency should not be denied representation in the Assembly just because their elected representative has a different political opinion to the Governor.
Assembly members are elected to represent their constituents, make the laws, and perform oversight functions over the Executive – not to act at the behest of the Governor or serve at his pleasure.
