Dr Udoh Oberaifo, the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has frowned at the suspension of three lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Oberaifo is the candidate of the AAC for the Sept. 21, governorship election in the State.
The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, had on Monday, suspended the three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach him and other Principal officer.
The three suspended lawmakers are: Mr Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo 11), Bright Iyamu (PDP Orihonmwon South) and Adeh Isibor (Esan North East 1).
Addressing newsmen in Benin, Oberaifo described the suspension of the lawmakers as illegal and unconstitutional.
According to him, the speaker lacked the legal power and right to suspend a lawmaker democratically elected by the people.
“So what will now happen to their constituents that they represent.”
He said that the action of the speaker clearly infringed on the rights of the good people of Edo, the suspended members and their constituents.
“Our courts have consistently held that disciplinary powers of legislative houses like Edo state house of assembly do not extend to suspension.
”The court of appeal in Bauchi State House of Assembly & ORS vs. Guyaba, agreed with the trial court in holding that the suspension of a then house of assembly member, Hon. Gubaya for three months was illegal.
“Recently, the court also took a similar view in the case of Akinribido vs Ondo State House of Assembly.
”The point I wish to state here is that the clear malicious suspension of these members of the Edo house of assembly for whatever reasons by the speaker, is laughable, unjustifiable, illegal and clearly unconstitutional.
“It clearly shows the directionless lawmaking powers, offside decision making of the PDP led house of assembly, and lack of respect for democratic institutions,” he said.
Oberaifo urged the speaker to recall the suspended members in line with clear court precedents in similar matters.
According to him, the above shows that Edo people can no longer continue with the PDP governance and law making in the State.
He urged the people to vote for the AAC as a better alternative and for credible governance.