The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has interpreted the seizure of the State House of Assembly Complex as an attempted coup d’état.
He said this in a state-wide broadcast on Friday, adding that the attack is tantamount to treason and contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
He assures that his administration would take all steps necessary to defend the rule of law and democratic ideals.
“Any person or group of persons who set out to test our will in this regard will meet with the full wrath of the law,” the governor warned.
He added, “These events portend grave danger to the safety and security of our polity. It had all the hallmarks of an attempted coup d’état.
“The people of Edo State rose as one to prevent the desecration of our democracy. It is, however, worrisome that certain persons are willing to plunge the society into avoidable anarchy and conflict just to satisfy their illegitimate objectives.”
Governor Obaseki said the crisis in the state legislature dated back to June 17, 2019, when upon his proclamation of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly, some members-elect refused to present themselves for the inauguration.
He explained that a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had in a judgement delivered on September 12, 2019, held that his proclamation of the House of Assembly was lawful.
According to the governor, the court ruled that the National Assembly cannot take over the function of the Edo State House of Assembly, as the conditions for doing so do not exist.