According to a report by The Nation, some concerned residents of Edo State have staged a peaceful protest to appeal to the conscience of the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki to inaugurate the State House of Assembly.
Led by a foundation called One Love Foundation, the group urged Obaseki not to because of the ongoing crisis between him and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole hold the people of the state to ransom.
In his address, the founder of One Love Foundation, Mr Patrick Eholor stated that the Members-elect are waiting for the proclamation to be issued to to Clerk of the assembly by the Governor.
He said: “We are gathered here today for a peaceful protest to remind the governor of Edo State that the citizen deserves better.
“This is our seventh assembly. We are hoping that as at now, the governor would have transmitted proclamation letter to the Clerk so that they can carry out the duty and functions in a democracy.”
Eholor says it was unfair to the citizens that they had to suffer the non-inauguration of the assembly just because APC members have disagreements among themselves.
He noted: “So, if the Edo APC has issues with themselves, they should come to a round table to settle it because they cannot use Edo people to settle their issues.
“We cannot continue to suffer this pain. It is very clear in the 1999 constitution, section 105, subsection 3. I am not a lawyer but I read it very clearly that when election is conducted, and the people have been duly elected, the governor has the right to transmit to the clerk of the house of assembly so that the people can be sworn in so that they can continue with the business for the people.
“So that is why we are here to appeal to them to swear them in immediately.”
Eholor urged Governor Obaseki to respect the rights of those who voted for him and also voted for the state lawmakers who have now been held to ransom by the lack of proclamation letter.
“The governor is a technocrat, he is very well read. We are appealing to his conscience that no matter what is going on within him or within the party or within any other political parties, he should do the needful and respect the right of those who voted for him and for those who voted for the house of assembly members,” he said.
Reacting, Governor Obaseki’s media aide Crusoe Osagie assured that he would proclaim the Assembly ready for inauguration when he returns from his current trip to Abuja.
