The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Victor Edoro, has been impeached by 16 of the 24 members of the assembly on Tuesday, for alleged high-handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in his place, Elizabeth Ativie was elected by the lawmakers as the assembly’s first female speaker.
The impeachment followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Folly Ogedemgbe (APC-Owan- East) and seconded by Patrick Illuobe (PDP – Esan-North East).
“This is an impeachment notice signed by 16 members that the speaker Victor Edoroh and his deputy, are hereby impeached,” Ogedemgbe said during the house sitting.
NAN reports that shortly after moving the motion, Ogedemgbe nominated Illuobe to preside over the election.
Ativie’s name was submitted as speaker by Victor Assen (APC-Owan-East), while Justin Okonobo (APC-Igueben) was nominated as deputy speaker by Henry Okhuobo (APC-Orhionmwon).
The two were subsequently approved to lead the House by the lawmakers.
The assembly soon slipped into chaos when suspected thugs invaded the chamber as Ativie took her seat.
The situation made security operatives to immediately take over control of the assembly’s premises, as staff scampered for safety.
Ativie, the new Speaker, later announced the suspension of impeached speaker, Victor Edoror for three months for invading the chambers with thugs.
“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,” Ativie said.
According to her, a five- man committee had been set up to investigate the finances of the House from June 2015 to May 2016.
In another development, the impeached Speaker, Edoror described his impeachment during a plenary attended by seven members as unfortunate.
“What they have done this morning is not legal. We will set up a committee to investigate the matter. We are not going to suspend anybody,” Edoror said.
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