Obaseki blames APC leadership for Edo Assembly crisis

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday said the national leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was to blame for the crisis in the state Assembly in recent times.

The governor spoke when the Senate Committee set up to look into the crisis visited the state to investigate the matter.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, who led four members of the committee to the state, said other members were allowed to stay behind because of the screening of the Chief Justice of Nigeria nominee.

Governor Obaseki while addressing the committee members, appreciated the senate for visiting the state over the matter.

Speaking on the crisis at the state Assembly, he said it became humongous due to inaction of the leadership of the APC which could not do anything when the matter started.

He however, maintained that he has performed his constitutional duty by issuing a proclamation letter, and that the Clerk of the House undertook the processes as deemed fit.

He also said that there are issues within the legislature and they have gone to the judiciary as the constitution provides for clear separation of powers.

According to him, “When people arbitrarily make up their minds because of some predetermined outcomes and make statements and conduct themselves, this is what it leads to.

“I issued a proclamation. Consultations were held before the proclamation was issued. Various party organs met before decisions were reached. As far as I am concerned, I abide by the Constitution and issued a proclamation. I believe in separation of powers.

“Whatever the outcome, we expected that if a higher authority were concerned about the fate of this state, they would have called to see how to resolve the issue but that wasn’t done. The matter has moved to court and all parties are in court. I have done my own beat. Within the legislature, there are issues and they have gone to the judiciary and the constitution provides for clear separation of powers.

“We have evidence that people are under pressure. Look at this matter in the interest of our country and in defence of our democracy.”

Responding, Senator Abdullahi said the Senate was concerned about restoring peace and order as provided for in the Constitutional.

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He clarified that there was no clash with the House of Representatives Committee as their duties are seen as a function of the National Assembly.

He said, “The civility of Edo people is not in doubt. Edo State has a long history of parliamentary civility. I think everybody who is lover of this state will want to ensure that nothing short of that prevail.

“I want to assure you that we will do what the Constitution allows us to do. The House of Representatives Committee was here and we are here because it is bicameral legislature.

“Ours is to articulate and prepare the facts before colleagues. I know that the 109 will do justice to any matter before them.

“I assure you that we are out for the good of the state and its people.”

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