Agency Report/
The crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly appears to have crept into the new legislative arm of government as thugs allegedly loyal to the State governor reportedly attacked Mr Seidu Oshiomole, younger brother of the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, in Benin.
The thugs reportedly attacked Oshiomhole on Tuesday alongside 14 other lawmakers-elect in the state.
The lawmakers were reportedly holding a meeting at an undisclosed location when they were attacked by thugs allegedly hired by the state government.
According to reports, the meeting was necessitated by the Monday midnight inauguration of nine members of the new parliament and subsequent election of Frank Okiye as the speaker.
Nine out of the 24-man Assembly had met to elect a speaker in what could be described as a recipe for crisis in the state.
The ongoing crisis in the state assembly may not be unconnected to the rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has threatened to deal decisively with individuals or groups causing the problem in the state in the wake of the inauguration of some members of State House of Assembly.
The government issued the warning through a statement by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.
“The warning is coming in the wake of the emergence of a new leadership of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly, and to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not take matters into their hands to foment trouble in the state.
“The state government will deploy all apparatus of the state to ensure that peace is maintained in the state; well-meaning, law-abiding citizens are assured a free space to go about their businesses without any hindrance.
“The Edo State Government is, by this notice, sending a strong warning to individuals and groups with the intention to cause violence in the state, to do away with any such thought.
“Any attempt to re-enact the era of violence will be met with the requisite response from the relevant apparatus of the state,” it says.
It cautioned parents to dissuade their children from engaging in any criminal act or work because the agents of unscrupulous elements with the intent to cause civil disturbances are on the prowl. The government warned that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.
“Edo State, under Gov. Godwin Obaseki, is stable, as our shield stands guard and our sword stands ready,” it further warned.
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