Our Suspension was Unconstitutional – Okogbe, Recalled Edo Assembly Member; Takes Exception to Being Labelled Fetish Without Evidence

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One of the two members of the Edo State House of Assembly who were recalled on Wednesday after five months of suspension, Donald Okogbe, on Thursday faulted the process of their suspension, which he said was “completely unconstitutional”. Okogbe also expressed his displeasure at their being labelled fetish without any evidence of such, describing the punitive action of the House as injustice. He however posited that their recall was a case of justice being done, which he believed would lead to a more united House.

The Assembly had on May 6, suspended Okogbe (PDP-Akoko-Edo II), Adeh Isibor (APC-Esan North-East I) and Bright Iyamu (Orhiomwon South) for alleged plot to impeach the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, and other principal officers, and bringing fetish materials into the Assembly at midnight. Iyamu was however recalled in June having been found remorseful, according to the Speaker.

The other two, Okogbe and Isibor were however recalled on Wednesday after five months in the cold.

But speaking on their recall, though grateful, Okogbe said “One of the injustices is labelling a group as being involved in fetish practice within the Assembly which was not backed by any evidence. Also, the procedure for suspension of members wasn’t followed. All Houses of Assembly in the country can only take decision by way of resolution.

“In our case, the leadership of the Assembly just made a pronouncement which became weightier than the vote of a constituency and denying the people of representation for more than five months. It means that the action taken was completely unconstitutional.”

Recall that at resumption of plenary on Wednesday, the Speaker said the House had agreed that the two remaining lawmakers on suspension be recalled.

Okogbe said “For us, the decision of the House of Assembly is a case of justice being served, no matter how delayed. The leadership of the House and our colleagues have seen the truth and have recalled us. That also goes a long way to establish that the Assembly has come together and united to see that certain injustice done in the past are corrected.

“For me it is an opportunity to come back re-energised and to re-dedicate myself fully to the cause of my constituency and Edo people in the area of law making, agitation for the welfare and interest of the poor, especially in the area of education and health.