Expressing his astonishment over the sudden turn of events, Olalekan Adeleye, a member-elect representing PDP-Odogbolu, criticised the lack of formal communication regarding the postponement. Adeleye highlighted that no official letter was issued to the members, and instead, they were informed of the decision through a WhatsApp message.
"We have been in high spirits, hoping we will resume here at 9:00 a.m. for our inauguration," lamented Adeleye. "To our dismay, we are locked out, and when we asked questions, someone called my attention to a WhatsApp message purportedly sent by the clerk of the house that the inauguration has been postponed to June 20."
Adeleye further revealed that the initial proclamation letter by the governor had stated that the 10th assembly would commence by June 13, making the abrupt postponement all the more perplexing. Speaking on behalf of eight other PDP members-elect present, he emphasised that this unexpected delay was not an ideal way to commence the current legislature.
Adding to the confusion, no senior management staff of the assembly were available to address the concerned members-elect and provide an explanation for the postponement. However, Olakunle Oluomo, the immediate past speaker representing Ifo-I, urged opposition party members-elect to remain calm in the face of this situation.
Mr Oluomo noted that the news of the postponement was disseminated through the platform created for both newly-elected members and returning ones. He encouraged the members-elect not to be disheartened by the unforeseen turn of events and to maintain their composure during this period of uncertainty.
As it stands, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has 17 members-elect, while the PDP has nine members-elect. The reasons behind the sudden postponement of the inauguration are yet to be officially communicated.
(NAN)