UPDATE: Tension in Kogi over the selection of new Speaker

From: EMMANUEL ADEYEMI, Lokoja

Palpable fear now envelopes Kogi State over the election of a new speaker as the current speaker, imam Umar, may be impeached any moment from now.

Crisis engulfed the Assembly, on Tuesday, when thugs invaded the House, beat black and blue,  Hon. Friday Sanni Makama, representing Igala/Mela/Odolu constituency stripping him half naked. The Speaker and other lawmakers had managed to escape being lynched.

The Speaker and  Makama who were said to be beneficiaries of the crisis that engulfed the Assembly late 2015 when five lawmakers impeached then speaker Momoh Jimoh Lawal who had 15 lawmakers in his support, are now the ones at the receiving end.

Already, it  was gathered that huge sums of money were changing hands among the lawmakers and about 10 people earlier backing Umar may have backed out as signatures of the lawmakers were said to being collated.

At least 17 of the 25 lawmakers have to append their signatures to get the two third votes for his removal.

The Speaker sensing that the game wais over, was reported considering tendering his resignation which some forces were said to have vehemently rejected on the ground that they wanted him disgraced through impeachment.

For now, member representing Kabba Bunu constituency, Mathew Kolawole and Ijumu representative, Victor Omofaiye, are  being touted as new Speaker.

However, it was learnt that Omofaiye may have the day as majority of the lawmakers are said to be comfortable with him.

Meanwhile, the meeting for the selection of the new speaker is said to be ongoing as at time of filling this report.

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