Go and be inaugurated like bauchi lawmakers, Group urges angry Edo members-elect

… as Uzairue clan endorses Obaseki/shaibu for second term

Concerned Citizens of Edo State, an umbrella body comprised of trade associations, youth and professional groups, market women among others, has urged the angry members-elect of Edo House of Assembly, currently in Abuja, to follow the example set by Bauchi State lawmakers and present themselves for inauguration.

According to the group, “We read with delight, news report of the inauguration of the factional lawmakers in Bauchi State. We laud their maturity and recommend similar bold and people-spirited move for our Edo members-elect.”

Chairman, Edo State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sunny Osayande, said, “We advise the 12 Edo House of Assembly members-elect currently in Abuja to put aside sentiment and come forward to be inaugurated so that they can assume their lawmaking function for which they were elected.”

He noted that the absence of the 12 members-elect from the activities of the inaugurated Edo State House of Assembly was denying those that voted for them representation in the Assembly.

The State chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Odion Olaye, said, “These members-elect were elected to represent their various constituencies in the Edo House of Assembly. But their absence means that the issues that affect people in their constituencies are not mentioned, highlighted or debated on the floor of the assembly.”

Lamenting the development, state chairman of butchers association, Akere Odigie, noted, “This is bad for our democracy. We urge the members-elect to put the interest of the voters, who stood in the sun and rain to elect them, ahead of personal squabbles.”

Recall that two people had emerged speakers of the Bauchi State House of Assembly during an inauguration that held on June 20.

Abubakar Suleiman was elected speaker by a faction of the House, which was presided over by the clerk at the assembly complex, while Damina was elected by another faction outside the complex.

Reports said the factions were said to have buried their differences as their inauguration was presided over by Danlami Kawule, the deputy speaker of the House.

Meanwhile, ahead the 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Uzairue people in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, have endorsed Governor Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shaibu, deputy governor for a second term in office.

The endorsement was conveyed in a letter by Jattu Progressive Union (JPU) and signed by the chairman, Felix Oshionebo; secretary general, Mohammed Kassim; vice chairman, J.A. Ukpokodu; public relations officer, TPL Bismark Oshiokpekhai; auditor general, Muhammed Amionalumhe, and the Galadima of Uzairue, Yusuf Bello (ex. officio).

According to JPU, the endorsement was informed by the developmental strides of the Governor and his deputy in their community and the entire state.

“Members of Jattu Progressives Union, Benin Branch, and the entire Uzairue people wholeheartedly commend the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu for the developmental strides in our community and Edo State at large,” the association said.

The letter added: “In the light of the above, members of Jattu Progressive Union, Benin Branch, and the entire Uzairue people hereby endorse the Governor and his deputy for a second term in office to continue the good work. God bless the governor, God bless the deputy, God bless Edo State.”