Benue lawmakers jump fence to enter Assembly Complex - see video

Members of Benue State House of Assembly on Friday scaled the high perimeter fence surrounding the Assembly Complex and jumped into the premises in an attempt to hold a parliamentary session.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that both the impeached Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange (APC-Ushongo ) and his successor, Mr. Titus Ubah (APC-Kyaan) were at the premises, both laying claims to the post of Speaker.
Supporters of both sides forced their way into the premises through the high wall.

Both groups were, however, prevented from gaining entry into the main lobby of the complex to hold their meetings.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, refused to either answer calls to his telephone line or reply text messages sent to him on the matter.

The Assembly had adjournment on July 10 to resume on August 15.

Ikyange had told newsmen that he remained the Speaker since “the right procedure” was not followed in the impeachment process.

He said since the House was in adjournment, there were only two principal officers who could reconvene it, namely, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

He said none of the two officers reconvened the Assembly.

On the other hand, lawmakers loyal to the new Speaker quoted the Standing Rules of the House to justify their action.

They claimed that in the absence of the two presiding officers, they could elect a pro-tempo Speaker to preside.