Don’t Plunge Edo Into Crisis, Oba Warns Politicians

The Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba Erediauwa has waded into the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly urging the political actors to allow peace reign in the state.
The Oba who told the politicians not to plunge the state into crisis held a meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his palace today. He appealed to the political parties to resolve their political differences in the interest of peace and security of the state.
A statement issued by the Palace and personally signed by His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin said: “I thank leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic party (PDP) for honouring my invitation at short notice.
“I invited you to my palace to appeal to you on the need to allow peace continue to reign in Edo State, I you know as politicians have a way of resolving political issues, no matter how delicate and sensitive the issues are.
“Politicians in Edo State, regardless of whichever political parties they belong to, I am quite sure, will do all they can to ensure that our great state especially Benin City, the capital, is not made ungovernable for political reasons. I know as citizens of Edo State, you will always do all you can to protect our people and our land.
“On this very note, taking into consideration what has been happening since the beginning of this week, I am appealing to you not to engage in the destruction of lives and properties for whatever reasons. I also appeal to you as you leave here to have the interest of Edo State at heart and amicably resolve whatever political disagreement you may have, which I am sure, you are well capable of resolving for peace and security to reign.
“I thank you for coming and God bless you all.”
The Oba had earlier held a closed-door meeting with representatives of the two parties where he impressed it on them to maintain the peace in the state.
Representing the All Progressives Congress at the meeting were Dr Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor of Edo State and Hon Patrick Obahiagbon, Chief of Staff to the Governor.
Chief Dan Orbih, PDP Chairman, Mr Lucky Imasuen, one-time Deputy Governor, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iymu and Hon Festus Ebea, suspended Speaker of the State House of Assembly represented the PDP.
It would be recalled that the State House of Assembly, had on Monday suspended four lawmakers: Hon Froday Ogieriakhi, Hon Festus Ebea, Hon Jude Ise-Idehen and Hon Patrick Osayimwen over whate they termed gross misconduct, but the four lawmakers supported by five other PDP lawmakers slammed a counter suspension on the Speaker, Rt Hon Uyi Igbe and other principal officers of the House at a sitting which has been described as illegal since they broke into the Assembly and held the sitting without a mace, the Seargenat at Arms, Clerks of the House and other accoutrements needed for a valid Assembly sitting.