AGF ordered IG to provide security backing for 17 Edo lawmakers’ inauguration

By Atevure Princess,

Facts have beginning to emerge on how the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), allegedly directed the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to provide security backing for the inauguration of the 14 members-elect and three other members of the Edo State House of Assembly on Thursday.

According to The PUNCH report, the AGF in the letter, with reference number HAGF/IGP/2020/Vol1/4, dated August 5, 2020, requested the IG to provide security for the inauguration and subsequent sittings of the Edo State House of Assembly, hence the House of Assembly have been under security siege.

There was palpable tension in Benin, the state capital, on Thursday when the 17 lawmakers gathered in an unknown location to carry out the inauguration. The oath was said to have been administered by the Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Mr Tom Efezokhae.

Only 10 out of the 24-member Assembly were inaugurated on June 17, 2019, following the proclamation issued by the Governor. The speaker of the 10-member Assembly, Frank Okiye, later declared the seats of the 14 members vacant.

Following the new inauguration on Thursday, Okiye and his deputy, Rolland Asoro, were impeached during the sitting, presided over by the new speaker elected by the 17 members, Victor Edoror.

ADVOCATE also gathered that following the successful inauguration of the 14 members and election of a new Speaker, the IG also allegedly order the Edo State Commissioner of Police to withdraw policemen attached to Hon Okiye and his deputy.