Edo State Speaker suspends three lawmakers amid impeachment plot

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, took decisive action on Monday, suspending three lawmakers over an alleged conspiracy to impeach him and other principal officers of the Assembly.

Among the suspended legislators is Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo II under the PDP banner, known for his allegiance to the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu. Notably, Okogbe abstained from signing the petition that led to Shaibu’s impeachment. The other two suspended members are Addeh Emankhu Isibor, representing Esan North-East I under APC, and Iyamu Bright, representing Orhionnwon II under PDP.

Agbebaku accused the trio of resorting to mysticism, alleging that they brought native doctors to the House on May 1 at 1 am for ritual purposes. Consequently, the Speaker suspended them indefinitely, citing external influences aiming to sow chaos and topple the Assembly’s leadership.

However, the suspension sparked tension within the House, as the affected lawmakers vehemently protested. In a chaotic session, they challenged the Speaker’s authority, demanding a vote on the matter. Amid the uproar, the Speaker abruptly adjourned the plenary.