Arise counsels Ekiti Assembly members after Speaker Afuye’s death

By Adeleye Kunle

Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have been urged to maintain decorum after the death of the Speaker, Rt. Hon Funminiyi Afuye.

Former member of the National Assembly, Senator Ayo Arise, who gave the advice, said the lawmakers must be courteous as there could be a clash of interests when it is time to replace the late Speaker.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also expressed confidence that the new state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, will do well as governor.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2011 and 2014, said the way to go is to follow the constitutional procedures in electing another Speaker of the Assembly.

“The recent death of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly has created a vacuum which is not allowed in the workings of government. But there are constitutional procedures to be followed for the replacement.

“The process is the same both in the Senate and State Assembly. It is done in the hallowed chamber with Clerk of the House calling for the election of the new Speaker among the lawmakers who have shown interest to run for the position.

“It is not something that is passed down automatically on any lawmaker, it cannot be assumed by the deputy Speaker, unless all the lawmakers unanimously agreed he should take up the role.