There was heavy presence of security operatives today around the complex of the Edo State House of Assembly – a day after the Speaker and his deputy were impeached.

Police officials and those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were seen around the complex with arms, blocking access to the House of Assembly.

A five-day holiday has been declared by the State Government to honour the late Oba Eradiuwa of Benin, the city where the House of Assembly complex is located and the capital of the state.

Activities are not expected so much at the complex due to the holiday, but the deployment is believed to be a precautionary move.

Efforts are still ongoing to resolve the crisis in the House.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Victor Edoror, and the Deputy, Mr Bright Osayande, were impeached on Tuesday, with lawmakers alleging incompetence and highhandedness.

The former Speaker told Channels Television that the lawmakers’ allegations were baseless and that plenary could not have been held without him.

“I was not there when they started. Can you start a sitting without me.

“They never put an allegation before me. I have not heard from them and I think they are frivolous allegations if they are so started,” he said.

About two years ago, lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly had a crisis that resulted in a fight.

•Photo shows police officers beefing up security at the Edo State House of Assembly today.