The alleged impeachment attempt on the Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Justine Okonoboh, is drawing attention to the 24-menber House. PATRICK AHANOR writes on its implications on the new administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and also asks whether the speaker will survive the plot
History is undoubtedly on the side of Edo State Assembly for having the highest turn -over of speakers in the country returned to democracy (1999-date).
Since 1999, the assembly has churned out 12 speakers who presided over the affairs of the 24-member House between the period under review; while only former speaker Uyi Igbe (2011 to 215), completed his 4-year tenure.
Therefore, the news on Monday May 22, 2017 to the effect that incumbent Speaker, Justin Okonohoh, would be impeached at the assembly’s sitting billed for the day triggered anxiety, fuss among political stakeholders in the state.
The news was initially consigned to the realm of speculation by observers, but it soon gained acceptance when the Assembly hastily postponed indefinitely, its proposed resumption on the day.
The legislators had been on a two-month recess; and were billed to resume sitting on the day (last Monday).
However, the House clerk, Mr. James Omoataman, announced in a statement of the day that resumption of plenary has been postponed indefinitely.
Besides, the development was said to have attracted dozens of Department of State Security (DSS) personnel to the complex in order to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.
Omoataman had explained that the postponement was due to the ongoing renovation of the hollow chamber and advised the legislators and the general public to take note of the development.
Nonetheless, it was learnt that the alleged plot to impeach Speaker Justin Okonoboh was perfected by some lawmakers including ex-Speaker Victor Edoror otherwise known as Tiger.
The “rebellious legislators” were said to have gathered signatures of members a day before the proposed resumption and were set for showdown with the embattled speaker.
The lawmakers grouse according to inside sources revealed that speaker Edoror was not carrying them along in the scheme of things especially in the awards of contracts and lack of transparency about funds that accrued to the assembly.
Sighs that all was not well with the House first came to the fore when some legislators, led by the House Committee Chairman on Education, Mr. Chris Okaeben accused ex-speaker Edoror of allegedly plotting the impeachment move so he could return as Speaker.
Speaker Edoror who reacted to the alleged impeachment speculation that characterized the indefinite postponement of resumption said: “as at today all the public address system are not functioning, and we need to put the generator in order.
He said ‘’No house is complete anywhere in the world. We are 24 members from different constituencies; we cannot all speak with one voice. We all have our different opinions and views,’’ he said.
Okonoboh however assured the people that the assembly would resume plenary as soon as all technical repairs currently ongoing in the complex are completed.
However, some political analysts have expressed concern over the indefinite suspension of parliamentary sitting because according to them, scope of jobs and completion period have to be defined.
They observed that the House has been on recess for over 2 months and ought to have fast-tracked the renovation process before calling members out and within minutes making U-turn.
Others also opined that parliamentary proceedings should not unduly suffer because of individual interest, adding that civil impeachment is part of the House rules.
Moreso, Okonoboh was part of the free-for-all at the parliamentary chamber on May 3, 2016 which led to the impeachment of ex-speaker Victor Edoror Tiger and his deputy, Mr. Bright Osayande.
In his (Edoror) place, the House elected Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, as its first female speaker alongside Okonoboh as deputy.
And on July 25, 2016, The assembly impeached Elizabeth Ativie and elected incumbent speaker Justine Okonoboh.
His acceleration in the House as first time lawmaker to leadership position at the time was seen by many as weird because according to the House rule, only a second term legislator could hold such exalted position.
The political odds nonetheless tilted in his favour as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had zoned the speakership position to his Edo Central Senatorial zone.
With his predecessor (Victor Edoror) and only second term APC legislator in Edo Central Senatorial District out of the way over alleged financial malfeasance, the House leadership however amended the rule for his (Okoroboh) emergence as Speaker.
He (Okoroboh) had at the time described himself as the Goodluck Jonathan of Edo State politics owning to the latter’s rapid rise to the Presidency in his political carrier.
As it stands, incumbent speaker Justin Okonoboh and his predecessor are the only APC legislators from Edo Central Geopolitical District where the party had zoned the speaker to.
Only time will tell if ex-speaker Edoror otherwise known as Tiger alleged roar would be restricted to his cage.
On the other hand, postponing the evil day as seen last Monday could afford Speaker Okonoboh time to mend fences and call members out on recess having recourse to the fact that Governor Godwin Obaseki, is yet to submit names of Commissioner nominees for screening six months after he took over the mantle of leadership.
Since 1999, the assembly has churned out 12 speakers who presided over the affairs of the 24-member House within the period under review
