Ekiti Assembly Saga: SDP Defends Intervention By Eminent Indigenes

By Ayodele Oni

Social Democratic Party, (SDP) in Ekiti state has blamed leadership crisis at the state House of Assembly on personal interest and lust by an individual to hold on to power.

SDP, which is currently challenging the outcome of June governorship election at the tribunal described as shameful and unlawful, the removal of Gboyega Aribisogan as Speaker of the assembly within seven days of his emergence.

A statement by Gani Saliu, state publicity secretary of the party, states that well meaning Ekiti indigenes should rise and ensure the survival of democracy in the state.

“The Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State stands by the resolution of our Eminent Ekiti Legal Icons ably led by the founder and proprietor of Afe Babalola University, ABUAD, Are Afe Babalola SAN that  condemns in its entirety the show of shame at the hallow chamber of Ekiti State House of Assembly recently leading to the unlawful and shameful removal of Honourable Gboyega Aribisogan as the speaker of the Assembly.

“This impunity and “un Ekiti” attitude of some individuals in the name of politics and continuous staying at the corridor of power in the fountain of knowledge which led to the unlawful and shameful removal of Honourable Gboyega Aribisogan is distasteful and it should not stand.

“Ekiti throughout the world is known for contentment and integrity which form the basis of our undisputed “Omoluabi”.

“We will not fold our arms and allow few individuals with their parochial interest to destroy the hard-earned fame Ekiti is known for throughout the world.

“The Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State hereby calls on the All Progressive Congress in Ekiti State to stop the show of shame and respect the sanctity of the rule of law and justice which is the hallmark of good governance and democracy we now enjoy as a state rather than engaging in shameless activities that can further heighten tension in the land.

“How can a group of rascals highjacked the process of lawmaking and changed the goal post at the middle of the game as directed by their sponsors without considering the interest of Ekiti people?”

According to the party, the people have surrendered their mandate to the lawmakers to legislate on their behalf and that Ekiti State House of Assembly should not be turned into  another theatre of war in the name of politics.

‘This dastardly act should be condemned by well meaning stakeholders in Ekiti project like the likes of Are Afe Babalola, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Femi Falana, SAN and a host others whom we are proud as “Omoluabi” of have done.

“It on this premise that we call on our traditional rulers and other Ekiti sons and daughters to lend their voices in condemning this shameful act so that Hon Gboyega Aribisogan as the duly elected speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly can resume his official and constitutional duty without delay.”