A chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, John Mayaki, yesterday, urged the ruling APC Federal Government to pacify 14 elected members of the state Assembly who were unjustly prevented from being inaugurated throughout the last Assembly in the state.

Mayaki said that the 14 members were unjustly prevented from inauguration and sitting, following actions of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who, according to him, oversaw this anti-democratic plot.

He said: “It all began with the Speaker’s position, which became a contentious issue between loyalists of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and those favoured by Obaseki.

“Who would have imagined that Obaseki would resort to such tactics in pursuing his political differences, even against his benefactor, Oshiomhole?

“In his quest to have the Assembly under his control, Obaseki secretly contacted a handful of loyalists, who had won elections, into the House for inauguration.

“Realising that their numbers were insufficient, he allegedly enlisted the assistance of his deputy to forcibly induct a few others into the improper and ill-fated inauguration.

This resulted in the inappropriate inauguration of about nine out of the 24 members, with some appearing in three-quarter trousers, borrowed jackets, and even bathroom slippers.”

According to him, those who stood their ground and refused to succumb to Obaseki’s pressure were persecuted. He noted that despite challenges they faced, these men remained resolute in their commitment to their party and its leadership.

He advised: “It is essential that we recognise the courage and resilience displayed by the 14 members of Edo State Assembly, who faced adversity and stood firm in the face of injustice. They endured persecution, threats and even displacement for upholding democratic principles, as well as their party’s ideals.