…says failed invasion is an act of treason

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye, has hailed lovers of democracy who rose to the occasion to foil the attempted invasion of the state assembly complex in Benin City, on Thursday.

Okiye who spoke in Benin City, called on “democrats the world over to remain vigilant and keep vigil over the happenings in Edo State as anti-democratic forces are on the prowl and set to undermine core democratic values such as the rule of law and the constitution.”

The Speaker also described Thursday morning’s failed invasion of the Edo State House of Assembly Complex by men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad, acting on the orders of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an act of treason.

“The Edo State House of Assembly condemns any attempt to operate the House of Assembly Complex at Ring Road, currently undergoing renovation as the inaugurated members and the Rt. Hon. Speaker have relocated the House via a letter widely circulated to a new address at Dennis Osadebay Avenue,” the Speaker said.

He stressed that “any attempt to operate the House of Assembly Complex at Ring Road, amounts to an attempt to topple a constituted government which in turn amounts to an act of treason.”

He explained that “Forceful entry into the premises amounts to trespass, being that the House members have suspended activities at the building; their action will amount to disturbance of public peace which is also an offense.”

He warned: “Commission of any of the above will naturally attract the attention of the Police and other law enforcement agencies to act by preventing or arresting those involved.”