Security beefed up at Edo Assembly

There was a heavy presence of security operatives at the Edo State House of Assembly Complex yesterday.

Our correspondent observed that staff members of the assembly were denied access as the entrance and the exit gates of the complex were under lock and key. Several vehicles of security agencies were stationed at the assembly.

It was gathered that this was due to the leadership tussle between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.

While Obaseki was believed to be rooting for Frank Okiye, representing Esan North-East 1, as speaker;  Oshiomhole was perceived to prefer Victor Edoror, representing Esan Central Constituency.

It was gathered that the governor was yet to transmit a letter of proclamation to the clerk of the house for the inauguration of the seventh assembly.

Addressing staff at the assembly complex, Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Umar Farouk, said the police had no right to lock them outside their offices.

The governor’s spokesman, Crusoe Osagie, said his boss was still in Abuja following his election as vice chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, adding that as soon as he returned, he would proclaim the assembly.