Former Edo State’s Deputy Speaker Given Ultimatum To Return Vehicle Or Face Prosecution

Edo State House of Assembly has issued a two-day ultimatum to the former Deputy Speaker, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, to return her official vehicles or face legal action. This ultimatum was contained in a letter addressed to counsel to the former Deputy Speaker, Olayiwola Afolabi & Co. Ativie had vowed not to return the vehicles, insisting they were given to her as gifts by former governor, Adams Oshiomhole. But the assembly declared that her claim was untrue as there was no evidence to show that the former governor and the leadership of the House took such decision.
Clerk of the House, Mr James Omoataman, who signed the letter said the House had scrutinized the allocation letter which she claimed conveyed approval to her to retain the vehicles. It reads in part: “We have compared the signature of the esteem former governor on the said letter and found it is not genuine and we hope your client is aware of the consequences of parading such document. As your client will recall, the said vehicles were purchased for the use of the office of the Speaker when your client occupied the office. Consequently, when she became the Deputy Speaker, the official vehicles were left with her office whilst alternative arrangement were made for the office of the Speaker”.

It warned further that “the House expects to receive all the said vehicles or the vehicles that have not been sold, together with the details of the alleged sale of the Lexus jeep as enumerated not later than 2 days from the date of receipt of this letter. Failure to do so will attract the necessary legal action, both civil and criminal against your client”.