Tuface Idibia’s Wife Emerges Edo Assembly Minority Leader as Ex Speaker Accuses Gov Okpehbolo of Forcing Him to Resign
Immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Agbebaku has revealed that the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo asked him to resign as Speaker.
Speaking to his colleagues before he left the stage for the election of of Hon Yekini Idiaye as his successor, the former he had to obey the governor in the interest of peace in the South South state.
Addressing his colleagues, the embattled lawmaker said:
“I agree with all of you. The process is that today I have been asked to resign. Because of that, I was supposed to lead the procession here to resign on the red chair.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero,”
“If he has a decision contrary to giving his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision.
“We want peace in the state. And I have resigned.”
Before he resigned as speaker, Hon Agbebaku was already facing impeachment threats as sources within the House indicate that 18 out of the 24 lawmakers had already signed petition seeking the removal of the speaker.
Meanwhile, in his inaugural speech, the new Speaker, Hon Yekini Idiaye who represents Akoko Edo II State constituency, the speaker criticized the administration of his predecessor saying it failed to live up to expectation.
“Very distinguished Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly, recall that on June 16, 2023, when this great Assembly was inaugurated, it came with a burning zest by the 24 wise and Honourable Members to legislate for the common good of our people
“However, due to personal and parochial considerations by few individuals, no tangible results were recorded. This is at variance with the benchmark set for this Assembly and by extension our people.”
“Parliament is about lawmaking, not a place of social meeting where only one decides when to sit or not to sit as presently practiced.”
The new speaker also alleged financial impropriety against the former Speaker, including claims concerning the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans.
He said the allegations against Agbebaku should be thoroughly investigated and directed security agencies to ensure that no official functions of the Speaker were accorded to him pending the determination of outcome of the allegations.
Following the leadership change, the principal officers of the House were also reshuffled.
A communication from the Edo State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, who was present in the chamber, announced the appointment of Hon. Sunday Ojezele as Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu.
Hon. Eugene Inegbeboh, representing Igueben Constituency, emerged as Deputy Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Adeh Isibor.
Also, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced Hon. Uyi Omisigho, representing Oredo West, was designated Minority Whip, while Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia, representing Egor Constituency, was named Minority Leader.