Hell was let loose on Tuesday at the Edo State House of Assembly as police fired tear gas into the hallowed chamber where the lawmakers were engaged in a free for all.
Some market women selling at nearby Oba Market fainted after inhaling tear gas.
The fight started when Speaker Uyi Igbe stormed the assembly with 13 lawmakers to commence sitting and to also chase away nine lawmakers who broke into the hallowed chamber.
Trouble started on Monday when four lawmakers – Friday Ogierhiakhi, Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen and Deputy Speaker, Festus Ebea were suspended for alleged misconduct.
Apparently aware of an impending crisis, a combined team of policemen, the Directorate of Security Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were mobilised to the assembly.
There were over 20 police hilux vans including an Armoured Personnel Carrier and police dogs at the assembly premises.
At about 9:30m, the nine Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers drove into the assembly in an unmarked bus and were allowed in after which the gate was closed.
Accompanied by some security agents, the PDP lawmakers broke into the chamber and sat for less than five minutes without a mace presided over by the suspended Deputy Speaker.
Several attempts to get assembly staff to attend the sitting were rebuffed and the Sergeant at Arms, Ogirri Roberts, fled into hiding.
Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusoe representing Igueben moved the motion for the suspension of Speaker Igbe, Majority Leader, Philip Shaibu and six others for alleged abdication of duty
Those present at sitting are – Patrick Iluobe, Abdulrasaq Momoh, Patrick Osayimwen, Emmanuel Okoduwa, Monday Ehighalua, Friday Ogieriakhi and Jude Ise-Idehen.
The Deputy Speaker was named the new speaker of the assembly.
As they were about to hurriedly leave the chamber, Speaker Igbe stormed in with the lawmakers and his security details and a free for all ensued.
Tear gas canisters were fired to disperse the speaker’s supporters including the lawmakers.
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