‘Reps have no plan to take over Edo Assembly’

The lawmaker representing Esan North East/South East, Hon Friday Itulah said there was no plan by the House of Representatives to take over the Edo House of Assembly.
It would be recalled that the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Samson Osagie, hinted recently that the House of Representatives might take over the legislative duties of the crisis-ridden Edo State House of Assembly except the feuding All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP lawmakers sheathe their sword.
Osagie reminded the state lawmakers that the constitution empowers the National Assembly to take over the functions of any State Assembly in the event that such Assembly is unable to perform its functions.
He said as lawmakers, the House of Representatives should not be seen to be interfering in the affairs of the state legislature, but said it might be forced to take over the functions of the State Assembly in the interest of peace.
Speaking to Nigerian Pilot on the development, Itulah (PDP, Edo) said no individual had the power to decide what the House would do.
He said no such matter had come before the House, adding that it was Osagie’s personal opinion and not the position of the House.
The lawmaker further explained that the House could only take position on the matter when it comes before the House through a motion, adding that it also requires the concurrence of the Senate before the activities of the State Assembly could be taken over.
“If a decision has to be taken, it has to be on the floor of the House. No individual has the power to decide what the House will do. Even the speaker, with due respect, cannot hold such opinion. Of course, that was his opinion. Again, no such matter has come before us at the plenary.
“The constitution did not say any of the chambers can take over the State House of Assembly, but the two chambers. It has to come by way of motion or resolution. So far, I am not aware of such motion,” Itulah pointed out.
When contacted, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said for now, he has no official position on the matter.