…warns persons, groups not to test govt’s will
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, declared recent events at the state House of Assembly as a failed coup.
Obaseki accused his predecessor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, of being “bent on throwing the state into crisis” ahead of the September 19 governorship election.
Police have laid siege to the state House of Assembly complex as the rancour between lawmakers loyal to the governor and those backed by Oshiomhole worsens.
On Thursday, some pro-Oshiomhole lawmakers whose seats had been declared vacant, were sworn in at an undisclosed location after which they elected a new speaker.
But Obaseki, in a state broadcast on Friday, said the attempt to invade the assembly complex “had all the hallmarks of an attempted coup d’état,” but vowed that his administration would do everything within its constitutional powers to defend the rule of law.
The governor described the purported inauguration of the lawmakers as an “illegal assault on our democracy.
“Any person or group of persons who set out to test our will in this regard will meet with the full wrath of the law.
“The people of Edo State rose as one to prevent the desecration of our democracy. It is, however, worrisome that certain persons are willing to plunge the society into avoidable anarchy and conflict just to satisfy their illegitimate objectives.
“This unfortunate situation has festered because a former governor of the state is bent on throwing the state into crisis ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections.”
Obaseki declared Thursday’s action of the lawmakers as “tantamount to treason,” adding, “This government will take all steps necessary to defend the rule of law and democratic ideals.”