Seven elected APC legislators have elected Mr. Frank Okiye as the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, two weeks after the previous Assembly adjourned the House Sine-die.

He was sworn-in at about 9:30pm on Monday night by the Clerk of the house, Mr. Yahaya Umogbae who was have been invited with the seven lawmakers for an emergency meeting in Government House in Benin City.

The State governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy witnessed the brief Ceremony was held in Government House, amid tight security.

Okiye who is a third term member of the House representing Esan North Constituency II, was said to have proceeded with six other loyal elected APC legislators to hold a noctornal sitting at the Assembly Complex on Monday night at King Square in Benin City.

Okiye’s swearing-in was done in the absence of 19 other APC members-elect of the Assembly.

The 19 members had on Monday afternoon, denounced the alleged refusal of the Governor to issue a letter of proclamation for the inauguration of the Legislative arm and the unconstitutional attempt to impose a Speaker on the House.

Edo State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu had on Monday afternoon, condemned the action of the 19 APC lawmakers.

He told newsmen that governor Godwin Obaseki has not violated any law over the delayed inauguration.

He explained that the APC was only concern about how to have a rancour free 7th Assembly, unlike the 6th Assembly which had four Speakers in four years.

“So, the party held a meeting  with the 24 members of the Assembly and agreed on the leadership to reduce tension and cacophony of voices.

“The situation has not reached that level where there will be tension free. We do not want a repeat of what happened in the past. 

“The governor and the party are preparing to resolve the leadership crises in the 7th Assembly”, he said.

Ahead of the expected backlash on Tuesday morning, a SEC member of APC has asked the leadership of the party to tread with caution.

He warned that if the leadership crises in the 24-APC member House is not properly handle, it may rob the party its pyrrhic victory.

“We are going to meet to enable us look at the issues critically and we would respond accordingly at the leadership level of the party.

” What wee have at hand is indeed a serious challenge.

“The governor, Godwin Obaseki is doing well and we do not want him to go”.