The immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has explained that his resignation from the position was driven by personal reasons and the need to preserve peace and protect the interests of Edo State and his constituency.
Agbebaku disclosed this in a statement shared by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, on Facebook, following reported moves by some lawmakers to remove him as Speaker of the Assembly.
However, the former Speaker said his decision was not triggered by any breakdown in his relationship with members of the House, stressing that he maintained cordial relations with the other 23 lawmakers throughout his tenure.
According to Agbebaku, differences among lawmakers were expected because of their individual identities, opinions and political beliefs, but such differences did not prevent the Assembly from carrying out its legislative responsibilities.
“Differences will naturally arise because we all have our individual identities and beliefs. However, that did not stop us from passing people-oriented Bills and Resolutions in the last three years of my leadership,” he stated.
The former Speaker said he took the decision to resign after carefully considering the broader interests of the state and the people he represents in Owan West.
“My decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and my immediate constituency, Owan West,” Agbebaku said.
He expressed appreciation to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the support and cooperation he received while serving as Speaker.
“I appreciate the Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support and cooperation during my tenure,” he said.
Agbebaku also reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Edo State, declaring that his resignation from the leadership position did not affect his loyalty to either. “I reaffirm my loyalty to the party and to the state,” he stated.
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Following his resignation and the subsequent change in leadership, Agbebaku appealed to his supporters to remain calm and continue to support the development of democracy in Edo State.
“I urge all my supporters to remain calm and to continue to believe in the greater good and the development of democracy in the state,” he said.
He also congratulated his successor, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, as well as other principal officers of the House.
Agbebaku called on members of the Assembly to work together and maintain peace in the interest of the state. “I call for peaceful coexistence among all lawmakers,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yekini Idaiye emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly following Agbebaku’s resignation.
The new Speaker subsequently criticized the leadership of his predecessor, alleging that the Assembly experienced several challenges under Agbebaku.
Idaiye accused the former Speaker of corruption and poor leadership, while also alleging that the House experienced prolonged adjournments that affected its legislative activities.
“The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause,” Idaiye said.
He further expressed dissatisfaction with Agbebaku’s leadership style, alleging that it had affected the effectiveness of the Assembly and slowed down the activities of the state government.
“We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” he added.
The development marks a change in leadership at the Edo State House of Assembly, with Idaiye now expected to lead the lawmakers and oversee the legislative activities of the House.
Agbebaku, meanwhile, has urged the new leadership and lawmakers to prioritize peace and cooperation, while reaffirming his commitment to the state and his political party.
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