NASS Threat To Take Over EDHA:

We Are Waiting For Them – Obaseki
It’s An Empty Threat – EDHA Speaker
It’s Shameful Our Leaders Are Fighting – Ojezua

BY SIR RALPH OKHIRIA

It is a truism that you can decide, know or determine when to start a war or conflict but unfortunately you would not be able to know when or how the war or conflict will stop or end.
This saying has fully captured the present situation in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo state chapter which is currently enmeshed in self-inflicted crisis.
The crisis in the state branch of the ruling All Progressives Congress, started few months ago like a gentle flame which today is threatening the very existence of the party in the state.
It all started in early 2017 as grievances by some leaders of the party who expressed displeasure over the refusal of the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to ‘service’ them financially and appointment into boards.
Their complaints became louder in 2018 when Governor Obaseki instead of looking into the APC leaders grievances, turned around to label them ‘greedy party leaders’ who wants him to share government money with them.
Several efforts by concerned party elders to resolve the issue by in-house means proved abortive, thus the feuding parties went into their closest to plan how to get their pound of flesh and undo one another.
It was in this disunited mood, according to some political analysts and watchers that necessitated the defeat of the party by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Edo State.
However, fortunes smiled on the APC during the state assembly election which the party won overwhelmingly, winning all the available 24 seats. Not a few Edolites are of the opinion that Governor Godwin Obaseki invested heavily into that election.
Obviously, there was jubilation and celebration throughout the state as the joy of the party leaders, particularly that of Governor Obaseki knew no bounds.
But the celebration was short lived when party leaders, particularly the national chairman of the party and immediate past governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the sitting governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki engaged themselves in an unbridled struggle to produce the leadership of the state house of assembly.
Whereas Comrade Oshiomhole and his followers were rooting for the former speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, Governor Obaseki and his supporters had preference for a former majority leader of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye.
Unfortunately, none of the combatants was willing to step down, thus making the struggle to become survival of the fittest.
But in what seemed as drawing the first blood, the state house of assembly was dramatically inaugurated on June 17, 2019 with nine members and Mr Frank Okiye was elected as speaker. All the nine members were Governor Obaseki’s men.
This unexpected action of Governor Obaseki infuriated Comrade Oshiomhole and his followers who promptly described the House inauguration as a charade, even as they called for a fresh inauguration of the House.
Comrade Oshiomhole and his followers soon moved into action and leveraging on his position as the national chairman of the APC, his Abuja connection which was brought into task, soon yielded the needed help from the National Assembly.
One thing led to another and within a short period of time, the National Assembly did not only declared that the state assembly inauguration was null and void but also directed the state governor to transmit another proclamation letter to the Clerk of the state assembly for a fresh inauguration.
The Senate’s ultimatum given for the fresh inauguration expires on Tuesday, August 6, 2019.
Nevertheless, the directives from the national assembly have created mixed feelings in the minds of most Edo people. Whereas jubilation and sounds of rejoicing are being heard throughout the camp of Comrade Oshiomhole, Governor Obaseki and his supporters are kicking and crying Wolves.
For now, it’s a situation that best suited the Ibo song “Osondu, Owendi”. However, there is palpable tension in the state because two elephants have blindly locked their tusks in a fight to finish and obviously the grass are already suffering.
Unfortunately, the combatants and their foot soldiers have refused all entreaties by respected and well meaning traditional rulers, among them is the revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, religious leaders, including the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, to settle their misunderstanding peacefully.
Similarly, the Nigeria’s Governors Furum, business mogul and richest African man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the acclaimed benefactor of the two warring leaders (Comrade Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki), and many others have separately but unsuccessfully intervened into the matter.
So, what do these two men want? How long will political positions and government money continue to tear the once peaceful and united father and son apart? Why should they insist on causing chaos in Edo state, their father land because of political positions and government money?
Many well-meaning Edo people believed that they should be stopped. Now is the time for action. All Edolites, irrespective of political parties, ethnic and religious affiliations must wake up from their slumber and in unison not only tell these men that enough is enough but stop them permanently from destroying our beloved state.
After all, Edo state is bigger and greater than Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

EDHA Crisis: Senate Gives Obaseki 7 Days Ultimatum
The Senate on Tuesday asked the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to transmit a fresh proclamation letter for the Edo State House of Assembly within one week.
It asked the governor to formally inform all the 24 members-elect of the new proclamation via print and electronic media platforms.
The Senate further warned that failure to do so, the Senate said it will invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which allows it take over the functions of the state assembly.
The amended section of the constitution provides that “at any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions;
“And any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State: Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office.”
The Senate had set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly, where factions have emerged, one loyal to Gov. Obaseki and the other to his predecessor and former benefactor, Adams Oshiomhole.
Chairman of the Senate committee and Deputy Chief Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, presented the report at plenary on Tuesday.
Some senators, however, disagreed with the recommendations and expressed their disappointment.
Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, described the recommendations as “an insult” on the state governor.
According to the lawmaker, the crisis in the Edo State Assembly is a family matter as it involves members of the All Progressives Congress.
He said it is for the leadership of the party to resolve the crisis not the National Assembly.
Contrary to Sen. Okorocha, Sam Egwu, from Ebonyi, said what the state governor did was wrong.
“Being a governor doesn’t mean you should do the wrong thing. Something done at night is a secret meeting. For me, the governor did the wrong thing,” he said.
On his part, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, cautioned the lawmakers who opposed the recommendations, saying they could not change them as the matter had been “laid to rest.”
While noting that the resolutions were in conformity with that of the House of Representatives, he directed that the message be sent out immediately “so that one week is not reduced.”
He also said the National Assembly should be able to query undemocratic acts no matter who was involved.
Crisis in the House of Assembly.
Although all the 24 members of the state assembly belong to the APC, they are however, divided in loyalty.
Members of the House of Representatives had on July 17, given a one-week ultimatum but later extended it to one month to the the Edo State Governor to issue a fresh proclamation for the Edo State House of Assembly.

Senate’s Resolution On Edo Assembly Wll Not Stand – EDSG

The Edo State Government has described as unconstitutional and a flagrant disregard for the Principle of Separation of Powers, the resolution of the Senate directing the Governor of Edo State to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government declared that “this illegality will not stand” and advised “powerful persons not be allowed to set our State ablaze merely to satisfy their thirst for power and control.”
According to the statement: “The Edo State Government watched with alarm today as the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a step that was not totally unexpected, purported to pass a resolution in the following terms: – Directing the Governor of Edo State to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly, and Ordering a fresh inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly within one (1) week from the date of the said Resolution.
“As earlier mentioned, this move was not unexpected in the light of the enormous political pressure which had been brought to bear on the Officers and Members of the distinguished Senate by the highly placed and powerful persons who are intent on foisting their will and choices on the good people of Edo State.
“This is borne out by the recorded statements made by one Seid Oshiomhole (a Member-elect and younger brother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Comrade Adams Oshiomhole) wherein he boasted that both the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have been instructed on what to do in this matter.”
The statement added: “The Government of Edo State wishes to observe that the Chairman and Members of Ad-Hoc Committee of the Senate which visited Edo State were made aware of the existence of at least three (3) suits pending before various Courts wherein the factual and legal dispute regarding the Edo State House of Assembly inauguration have been submitted to the Courts by both contending parties for resolution.”
Ogie noted that “The Ad-Hoc Committee also failed to inform the Senate of the existence of a valid injunction in Suit No FHC/B/OS/70/2019 wherein the Federal High Court restrained various parties from interfering in any manner with the activities of the Edo State House of Assembly which said order had been brought to their attention in the course of their visit to Edo State.
He maintained that: “In point of fact in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/159/2019 the National Assembly, the Clerk of National Assembly, the President of the Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives amongst others were specifically ordered by the Federal High Court to maintain the Status Quo as at 25th July, 2019.
“The Edo State Government is further aware that in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/815/2019, wherein the Clerk and the National Assembly are defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the National Assembly and the Clerk have not only been duly served with the processes but have entered appearance in the matter.
“It is unfortunate that the Distinguished Senate would act in flagrant breach of these various Court Orders and purport to come to factual and legal conclusions concerning a matter in which the parties are already before the Courts and therefore subjudice.
“We are also concerned that the Members of the Distinguished Senate appear to have very scant regard for the principle of separation of powers as enshrined in our Constitution which is manifested by their taking over the functions of the Judiciary in dispute resolution and giving directives to a Governor of a State who is certainly not subject to the supervision of the National Assembly.
“The Edo State Government maintains that there is nowhere in the Constitution particularly Section 11(4) which enables the National Assembly to “take over” any House of Assembly or in this respect, the Edo State House of Assembly.”
The SSG added that “It must be further observed that it has always been the contention of the Edo State Government that the power to issue a proclamation for the inauguration of a House of Assembly as set out in Section 105(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was duly and completely complied with and it is not within the power of the Governor to recall same once issued or to perform the same act multiple times. Once the Governor issues a proclamation letter, his job is done.
“It is the duty of the Clerk of the House of Assembly to inaugurate the House of Assembly and he has since performed that task. He has further approached a Court of law to seek a validation of his actions. The pronouncements of the Distinguished Senate on the subject (with respect) is clearly misconceived and would amount to interference in the role of the Courts which may in fact constitute contempt with which the Governor would not wish to be associated.
“The Government of Edo State firmly believes that our State is not a colony or a vassal of any person or persons exercising power in Abuja and we shall take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to defend and validate our position and actions on this matter.
“We call on all persons of goodwill to call the powerful wielders of “power and authority” in Abuja and elsewhere to refrain from acts which are clearly unconstitutional, undemocratic and a flagrant disrespect for the principle of due process and separation of powers.
“These powerful persons should not be allowed to set our State ablaze merely to satisfy their thirst for power and control. As we have always maintained on this subject: – This illegality will not stand!!!”
It’s Unfortunate that our Leaders Are Fighting –Edo APC Chairman

Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Aselm Ojezua, has taking a holistic view of the ongoing crisis in the party over the recent inauguration of the State House of Assembly and concluded that it was unfortunate for two major leaders of the party at the state level to lock horns.
Excerpts:
Why is taking longer time for the party leadership to settle the political disagreement between Comrade Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki?
Well, I think the intervention of the National Assembly into the matter may have truncated the local arrangement we were making to resolve the issue. I believe when that is done, we will return to our planned local solution to the problem on ground.
The National Assembly has directed the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to transmit a fresh proclamation letter to the clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly for a fresh inauguration of the State Assembly; what is the stand of the APC, Edo State Chapter?
The matter is between the National Assembly and the State Governor. The governor has responded appropriately to them and as a lawyer, you know that I will natural be on the side of the law because if a matter is before a competent court of jurisdiction, it is only proper for us to wait for the decision of the court before taking further action.
You are of the opinion that the National Assembly should have waited for the court to adjudicate over the matter before taking a decision on the Edo Assembly Palaver?
Yes. That is what my legal mind is telling me.
Sir, as things are now, all is not well with Edo APC and as the state party chairman, what is the way forward?
I do not think there is anything fundamentally wrong with the party. I think that, perhaps some influential members of the party are not in agreement among themselves. And I would hope that eventually they will agree among themselves. There is nothing wrong with the party and the issue on ground now has to do with the State House of Assembly which has nothing to do with the workings or well being of our party. It is just that when two elephants fight, the ground will suffer, so people are now generally apprehensive because two major leaders in Edo State are in disagreement and I think it’s unfortunate.
Do you think that current happenings in the APC will negatively affect the party in next year’s governorship primaries?
Well, the governorship election is a long way off. I think a lot of things will happen in the party between now and then that will be in the interest of the party. So, I will rather wait and see.
What about the fortunes of the party in the 2020 gubernatorial election?
Like I said, there is no way I can tell. Only God knows what will happen between now and then.

NASS Is Being Manipulated – Okiye
Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye is the embattled Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. In this interview, he says no cause for alarm.
Please, read on:
What is your reaction to the threat by the National Assembly to take over Edo State House of Assembly in few days time, if the state governor fails to transmit a fresh proclamation letter for a fresh inauguration of the 7th Assembly?
Well, I don’t know what the National Assembly meant by ‘take over the functions of Edo State House of Assembly’, because, it is incoherent with what I have in my psychology as the way to go in this matter. When they talked about taking over the functions of the State House of Assembly, it still remains vague in my mind or reasoning because it is a voyage that has no destination.
It was a decision or resolution that was totally misplaced. I am not sure they consulted widely before taken such irresponsible decision. To me, the threat by the National Assembly is an exercise in futility and can best be described as cosmetic. It is very unfortunate that the National Assembly will allow itself to be so used because from all indications, it is crystal clear that the supposed distinguished members of the National Assembly have succumbed to manipulations. It is true that democracy thrives on majority but the robust contributions of the minority is also enough to sway the minds of the majority as was the position canvassed by the former governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Rochas Okorocha, who is also a member of the APC. The National Assembly decision on Edo house of assembly is very unpopular and the belief of majority of Nigerians is that the National Assembly members were under the influence of some external forces.
Sir, what will you do if at the expiration of the ultimatum by the National Assembly for the inauguration of the 7th Assembly, make good their threat to seal off this Assembly Complex?
I cannot imagine that this is happening at this time of our democracy. It is like somebody asking me to turn back when walking on a free road and you expect me to comply? Obviously, this is not possible. So, I still cannot contemplate that somebody will come from nowhere and ask me to walk away? I do not understand that. It is only the Court that can say that and we will all comply, not some people who are playing their masters bidding. In a democracy, the rule of law takes precedence.
It is a common knowledge that this assembly matter is in court. As at last count, there were about three cases in courts and with restraining injunctions yet to be vacated. Any latest information on the court cases?
Yes. There are three cases in court. One by the State House of Assembly; where injunction was secured against National leadership of the APC, security agencies and the National Assembly. The second one was where the 12 members elect went to seek redress challenging the validity and legitimacy of the leadership of the State Assembly. The third one is the one instituted by two Honourable members who having been sworn-in and representing constituencies went to court to challenge the capacity of the National Assembly to stop them from doing the work they were legitimately elected to do. They too got a restraining order against the National Assembly. With all these judicial cases, I would have expected that our distinguished members of the National Assembly will be honourable enough to step down their interests on this matter, because, all of us are subject to the rule of law and I am aware that they have it as a rule in the National Assembly that any matter before the courts, cannot be discussed on the floor of the house because, it would amount to subjudice. We too have it here. The National Assembly has joined issues with us in court. They have entered appearance in the case.
At the moment, you do not have the full complement of the 24 members of the House, therefore, would you say all is well in the House?
Yes, we are operating fully. The law did not say all members of the House must be present before the business of the House can progress. If the Constitution wanted everybody to be around before business can progress, it would have said so. But it stipulated one-third of the members can do the full business of the House. What you need two-third to do are extreme cases like impeaching the governor, abridging the process of the law making where you need to suspend the rules.
Are you under any pressure to declare the seats of those members-elect who have stayed away from work, vacant?
Well, I do not believe that this misunderstanding will get there. I honestly do not believe it will get there. Do not forget that we are all members of the same family, APC. I also believe that before we get there, the affected members will have a rethink and come to their duty posts. I am aware that they are eager to come to join us. It is just a matter of time.
Sir, why do you think this crisis is so difficult to settle; seeing that the party leadership at the state level and the leadership of the state government have okayed your election as the Speaker of the House, especially when you are all members of the same political party?
I am surprised as you are because, we are all members of the same political party. One political party sponsored all of us for the House of Assembly election and the party is in power at the national, state and local government levels. The party at the state level did not see any blame or fault in my election as speaker or what is happening at the state House of Assembly. So where is the problem coming from? The National leadership of the party, except they have hidden agenda, should key into what the state is doing to progress and say “No” to godfatherism.

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