Edo Crisis: Nigeria on edge, says Atiku

Atiku (file photo)

By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor

People removing the roof on Thursday

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has advised the warring gladiators in the Edo State political imbroglio to exercise caution so as not to destroy the country’s fledgling democracy.

Edo political crisis which has been simmering boiled over on Wednesday when the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, was impeached by the state lawmakers.

The member representing Orhionmwon-South constituency, Roland Asoro, has since been appointed Deputy Speaker and was immediately administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance by the Speaker.

Idiaye’s impeachment followed his declaration of support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu,

On Thursday, armed policemen surrounded the Assembly complex in Benin City, the state capital.

TheNiche gathered that the police action was in a bid to prevent an attack on the complex.

Police at Edo Assembly complex on Thursday morning

Apart from many security officials that blocked entrance into the complex, patrol vehicles were also stationed there.

Decrying the ugly turn of events on Thursday, Atiku warned the warring parties not to scuttle the country’s fragile democracy.

Writing on his confirmed Twitter handle @atiku, Atiku said, “Nigeria has been on edge due to the brinkmanship of those charged with democratic leadership. We must, as a nation, not escalate the already tense atmosphere in our polity.

“What is happening in Edo State is a threat to constitutional order nationwide, and I strongly urge belligerent forces to reign in their proxies and abide by the rule of law. As I have previously said, without the rule of law, there will be no rule at all.

“The current goings-on portends grave danger, not only to law and order in that state but to the coming Edo elections.

“The people of Edo State should be allowed to choose who they wish to govern them, and that choice is to be made on September 19, 2020. Pending then, everything legally possible must be done to preserve the status quo.”

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