Suspected political thugs on Thursday reportedly stormed Oredo Local Government Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and whisked away the mace, which is a symbol of authority.
This was made known to the Nigerian Tribune by the local government chairman, Osaro Obaze, who escaped unharmed during the invasion.
The thugs stormed the Secretariat which is located at the eagle square, ring road, to forcefully remove the leader of the legislative arm, Honourable Monday Oboigba.
It was however, gathered that the assailants has the backing of four out of the 12 lawmakers in the council, who were advocating for a change in the structure of the council legislative arm following the defection of some top politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A source, who didn’t want his name published, said the motion of the impeachment was moved by Dan Ize-Iyamu, a counselor representing ward 10, and was supported by Monday Okato, the only PDP councilor in the chamber.
He said the move led to heated argument and before they could resolve it amicably, thugs showed up in the legislative chamber, beat up unsuspecting lawmakers and carted away the mace.
Meanwhile, Obaze, while reacting to speculations that he ran away from the secretariat during the scuffle said: “I just stepped out when some persons came to the legislative chamber, but I returned immediately.”
The local government chairman, who refuted he was the target of the impeachment proceeding, said: “I am an APC member and I am man enough to tell people where I am. I think what happened was a misunderstanding between members and was overblown by political detractors.”
Meanwhile, Edo State has been under some political tension following the happenings in the State House of Assembly over the failed attempt to remove Governor Adams Oshiomhole. It would be recalled that on June 23, 2014, members of the House reportedly resorted to physical fight in a bid to enforce the suspension of their colleagues.
On July 2, 2014, the Deputy Speaker of the State House, Festus Ebea, who was previously suspended, was impeached for alleged misconduct and misdemeanour.
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