Ekiti Assembly shut down as soldiers, riot policemen take over

It was another crisis too many yesterday at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, as soldiers and riot policemen took over the assembly complex as the 19 embattled All Progressives Congress, APC members of the assembly returned for plenary on Wednesday.

DAILY POST recalls that the state chapter of the APC, had on Tuesday, directed its lawmakers to return to the crisis ridden Assembly to continue work, noting that the election of General Mohammadu Buhari as the next president of the country, has brought impunity into the country.
The 19 APC lawmakers have been away from the Assembly and practically from the state since November 17 last year, because of disagreements between them and Governor Ayo Fayose over the screening of commissioner nominees and councils’ caretaker committee chairmen.

 

This led to the impeachment of Adewale Omirin and Adetunji Orisalade, the speaker and deputy speaker respectively by a group of 9 Peoples Democratic Party, APC members.

Yesterday, the lawmakers led by Omirin held a session which lasted for about 10 minutes after which Omirin addressed journalists.
The short sitting started with praise and worship after which Gabriel Ogundele from Efon state constituency said the opening prayer. He prayed for peace and wisdom to legislate for good governance.
According to Omirin, they were at the Assembly to resume their duties.

 

“We are here to resume our work. The G-19 is intact and we have been doing our work even outside the assembly. As the speaker, I attended the Speakers’ Forum and have been doing my work,” he said.
While Omirin was briefing the media, soldiers and riot policemen, led by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, arrived the Assembly premises.
The police boss ordered all members of staff of the Assembly to vacate the premises and ordered an immediate shutdown of the Assembly.
However, the speaker elected by the 9 PDP members, Dele Olugbemi, disagreed with the police boss, insisting they (PDP) lawmakers would match the APC lawmakers “fire for fire”. He added that they were capable of defending themselves from any aggression.

 

While the exchange was on, the police started firing teargas to disperse the crowd.
Daily Post