Adeh Isibor, the representative of Esan Northeast I in the Edo State House of Assembly and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was indefinitely suspended on May 6, 2024, has filed a lawsuit against the speaker, Blessing Agbebaku and seven media houses at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.

The lawsuit alleges libel and wrongful publication of false statements, seeking damages amounting to N30 billion.

Isibor, along with two other lawmakers, Donald Okogbe (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akoko-Edo II), and Bright Iyamu (PDP, Orhionmwon II), was suspended indefinitely due to concerns over juju scare at the Assembly complex and an alleged impeachment plot against the speaker and other principal officers.

Speaker Agbebaku, of the PDP, made comments regarding the indefinite suspension of the three lawmakers during a media briefing on June 19 this year, held as part of the activities marking the first year in office of the 8th Edo House of Assembly.

He said: “There were challenges, but they did not overwhelm us. There is no organisation or body without challenges. Every challenge we had was surmounted by our cooperation, comradeship, unity, friendship, and understanding.”

The APC’s lawmaker claimed that the speaker’s statements and broadcasts/publications damaged his reputation in the eyes of his learned colleagues, his co-parishioners, church members, clients, and constituents, among others, and wanted Agbebaku to immediately publish a retraction in five print and five online media, with an apology.

He also wanted an order mandating the second to eight defendants to immediately publish a retraction of the defamatory publications and broadcasts in their respective media.

Isibor asked for damages of N3 billion against the defendants, jointly and severally, and N50 million cost of the suit, as well as 10 per cent interest on the damages, from the date of the judgment, until the judgment’s debt would be fully paid, while no date has been fixed for hearing.

It will be recalled that Agbebaku, while announcing the three lawmakers’ suspension, equally accused them of being influenced by external forces, with the intent to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the Assembly.

Edo speaker reiterated that some persons brought native doctors into the Assembly complex at midnight on May 1, 2024, made some demonic incantations, and dropped charms.

The suspension created tension inside the Assembly, as the affected lawmakers kicked against the action, saying: “Mr. Speaker, you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member of this House. You must call for votes. Allow members of the Assembly to vote on the matter.” In order to douse the tension, Agbebaku quickly adjourned the plenary. (The Nation)

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