By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN — EDO State House of Assembly, yesterday, recalled the former Speaker of the House, Mr. Zakawanu Garuba, and three others, who have been on indefinite suspension following a change of leadership in the legislature since February, 2010.

The four members were suspended for alleged use of dangerous weapons and the forceful change of the House’s leadership.

Recalled are erstwhile Speaker,  Zakawanu Garuba (Etsako West I), his former deputy, Levis Aigbogun (Ovia North East I), former Majority Leader, Frank Okiye (Esan North East I) and Blessing Agbebaku (Owan West).

Majority Leader of the House, Philip Shaibu, who moved the motion for the recall of the suspended members, explained that the decision to recall the members was in line with the spirit of the yuletide season as well as the spirit of unity to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

The motion which was seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Paul Ohonbamu, however, listed conditions that must be met before they could be fully re-admitted into the House.

According to him, Mr. Zakawanu and his colleagues “must withdraw all cases in court instituted by them against the Edo State House of Assembly or any member thereof.

“They must formally apologise to the House in writing, for their roles in the fracas on the floor of the House on Monday, February 22, 2010.

“They must sign an undertaking with the State Commissioner of Police, to be of good behaviour thereafter.”

Meanwhile, the House in a plenary session on Monday, swore in the member-elect representing Igueben constituency, Steven Idehenre of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, who was declared winner of the election held on April 14, by the Appeal Court last week.

The relevant oaths were administered by the Clerk of the House, Egbe Evbuomwan, before  Speaker, Bright Omokhodion and other members.

The House also cleared two commissioner-nominees. They are Francis Osakpamwan Evbuomwan and Ojeabu Ochei Callistus who were sent by the governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole for screening and confirmation.