On Thursday, the House of Representatives dismissed a motion of urgent public concern calling for the Federal Government’s involvement in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in the Okpella community, located in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The motion was introduced by Mr. Dekeri Anamero, the representative for the Etsako East/Etsako West Federal Constituency in Edo State.
During the plenary session, Anamero expressed his distress over the fatalities in Okpella stemming from violent reactions to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s recent coronation of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, which took place two weeks ago.
The presentation of the staff of office to Akemokue has sparked discontent among the local population.
While supporters of the new king are celebrating, those opposed to his appointment have publicly expressed their discontent, leading to violent outbreaks in the cement-producing town last week.
Anamero urged Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa to send troops to Okpella to restore order, accusing Governor Obaseki of proceeding with Akemokue’s installation despite significant public opposition.
In related developments, the Edo lawmaker’s remarks did not alleviate tensions, as he attributed Obaseki’s actions to a political party that suffered a significant defeat in the previous gubernatorial election.
Challenges arose in finding a member to second the motion, prompting Awaji-Inombek Abiante of the Peoples Democratic Party, who represents the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, to explain its rejection.
As Speaker Abbas sought a seconder, Abiante interjected, stating, “Mr. Speaker, there’s no need to persuade us to support the motion. If no one is willing to second it, let it die.”
He then addressed Anamero, asserting, “There’s no need to disrespect the senior citizens of our country with your motion.”
After two voice votes were conducted, Speaker Abbas ultimately ruled against the motion.
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