Why House of Reps lacks constitutional powers to shut down Edo Assembly – Edo Govt

The Edo State Government has said that the House of Representatives lacks the Constitutional powers to shut down the Edo State House of Assembly.

The state government’s statement is a response to the purported orders made on July 17, by the House of Representatives to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to seal off Edo House of Assembly until a proper inauguration is done, amongst others.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., maintained that “there is nowhere in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where the House of Representatives or even the National Assembly for that matter, is granted the right or power to shut down a State House of Assembly,” adding that “in point of fact such power is expressly excluded by the Constitution.”

Ogie said: “It has come to the attention of the Government of Edo State that the House of Representatives at its sitting on 17th July, 2019 purported to issue certain orders regarding the status and activities of the Edo State House of Assembly. “Amongst others, it: Directed His Excellency, The Governor of Edo State to ‘issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the House of Assembly’ and ordered the Inspector General of Police to shut down the premises of the Edo State House of Assembly and purported to make further orders in this regard.”

According to the SSG, “The Government and people of Edo State are appalled and disappointed at the gross illegality and abuse of process by the House of Representatives.”