A coalition of civil society organisations, Development Alliance Platform (DAP), yesterday expressed concern over the stalemate in the Edo State House of Assembly, saying the crisis has created apprehension and heightened tension in the state.
Addressing journalists in Benin, convener of DAP, Austin Osakue, said the lawmakers had abandoned their constitutional duties of lawmaking and oversights in their pursuit of partisan political interests.
“The recruitment of idle youths to perpetrate violence impeded free movement and brought economic activity to a halt. The situation can escalate into full-scale violence if an amicable resolution is not urgently secured,” Osakue said, adding that the group would intervene in the crisis with a view to resolving it.
Urging the parties to the crisis to sheathe their swords and embrace peace, he warned that should they fail to allow peace to reign in the state, the coalition would mobilise the people of the state to sack members of the Assembly.
“If they fail to heed to voice of reason to retrace their steps, Edo people are prepared to sack them. We are on the side of the people. The lawmakers are not there representing themselves. The House of Assembly is there to make good laws for the people of the state. It is not a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or All Progressives Party (APC) House,” Osakue said, pointing out that the Assembly crisis had taken a toll on businesses in the state.
He, therefore, urged the lawmakers to withdraw all the cases in court and return to the pre-crisis status quo in the interest of peace in the state, even as he called on well-meaning leaders from the state and other stakeholders to speak against the crisis.
Commending security agencies in the state for their effort in containing the crisis, Osakue urged political parties to redirect their members towards activities that promoted peace, understanding and progress.
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