By Michael Peter, The Sight News
Elder Statesman and Foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark has urged the House of Representatives to retract its resolution ordering the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki to issue a new proclamation within one week for the “Proper” inauguration of the State House of Assembly.
Recall that the House of Representatives also directed the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the DSS to shut down the Assembly ahead of the anticipated proclamation by the Governor.
At a Press Conference on Monday in Abuja, Chief Clark, described the action of the House as Arbitrary, saying that it also runs contrary to the provisions of the Constitution.
The Ijaw Leader pointed out that House of Reps, acting alone, cannot interfere with the running of a State House of Assembly without a corresponding action from the Senate.
He said, “In the first place the Constitution is very clear, it is only the National Assembly, (that is the Senate and the House of Reps working together) can interfere in the affairs of Edo State House of Assembly.
“Why the haste? The House of Reps went to Edo State interviewed a couple of people, came back and within one week came out with a report that the Governor should rescind his proclamation which is provided for by the law”.
The Elders Statesman also noted that since the case is before a competent Court of Jurisdiction, the House must therefore allow it to determine the matter.
“The House of Reps made reference to the Supreme Court judgment in Ladoja’s case in Oyo State; where it ruled that the House of Assembly can only meet between 10am and 6pm. They must let the Court determine that, since the case is already in Court”, he said.
