What Warring Lawmakers Actually Want To Do – Obaseki

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has described the recent events at the state house of assembly as a failed coup.

According to the governor, Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor,  is “bent on throwing the state into crisis” as the September 19 governorship election fast approaches.

There have been serious crises in the Assembly complex due to warring factions made up of supporters of the governor and those with the backing of Oshiomhole worsens.

On Thursday, some pro-Oshiomhole lawmakers whose seats had been declared vacant, were sworn in at an undisclosed location after which they elected a new speaker.

In a state broadcast today, Obaseki said the attempt to invade the assembly complex “had all the hallmarks of an attempted coup d’état,”

He said that his government will do whatever it takes to defend the rule of law, while adding that the purported inauguration of the lawmakers was an “illegal assault on our democracy”.

“Any person or group of persons who set out to test our will in this regard will meet with the full wrath of the law,” the governor said.

“The people of Edo State rose as one to prevent the desecration of our democracy. It is however worrisome that certain persons are willing to plunge the society into avoidable anarchy and conflict just to satisfy their illegitimate objectives.

“This unfortunate situation has festered because a former governor of the state is bent on throwing the state into crisis ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections.”

Obaseki compared the action of the lawmakers on Thursday to ” treason,” adding: “This government will take all steps necessary to defend the rule of law and democratic ideals”.