Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and the other two members of the House have dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The other two lawmakers are Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje.
While Blessing Agbebaku, representing Owan West constituency emerged Speaker in the PDP dominated House in June 2023, Yekini Idaiye was elected Chief Whip of the House.
Following that, the APC obtained majority status in the House as a result of some members of the party, Yekini Idaiye, who was, however, last month appointed Minority Whip.
Hon. Sunday Fada represents the Governor Monday Okpebholo constituency in the House
With the defectors, APC are now 18 members in the House while PDP are six.
The PDP lawmakers that are yet to defect are Mariam Edeko, the Deputy Majority Leader, representing Esan North- East II, Charity Airobarueghian Ighodalo, the former Majority Leader of the House and now Minority Leader, Natasha Osawaru Irobosa, the former deputy majority leader, representing Egor constituency.
Others are Andrew Uzamere, representing Ovia North-East II, Inegbeboh, Ojie Eugene, Igueben and Uyi Frank Omosigho, Oredo East constituency.
Speaking at the defection ceremony in Benin City at the Orhokpota Hall, the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku hinged his defection to the development strides of the governor particularly his constituency.
Agbebaku also added that the governor granted him many offers.
He said the governor has commenced the rehabilitation of Uhumora Secondary school which is his community with over N500 million.
He also said that the governor has awarded three roads in his constituency to be constructed by
State Employment and Expenditure for Results, SEEFOR, Project.
The speaker also added that they joined APC to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reelection in 2027, noting that the reelection of President Tinubu is a South South agenda.
“Today is a great day, Mr Governor. We have been working together since you came to the office and we will continue to work together. Since the assumption of office you have shown me love, you have shown me that I should rely on you.
“Today, I want to let the people of Owan West know that the Governor, because I am the number three man in the state, he has granted me so many offers.
“As I am speaking here today the Uhunmora secondary school is under rehabilitation. I can tell you that more than N500 million is being sucked into the school located in my community, and that is a sign of respect.
“And, again, I want to let the people of Owan West know that the governor in his magnanimity has also approved the construction of three roads in Owan West to be constructed by SEEFOR”, he said.
He assured the governor that the members of the Assembly would continue to work with him for the progress and development of the state.
“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that we members of the House have been with you and we will continue to be with you.
“We stand by you to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Asiwaju in 2027 because this will be the South South agenda.
“I am aware that the PDP Governors also know how they will support their own. Then, who am I?. So we are here to join the governor to support Asiwaju in 2027,” he added.
Also defected are the former deputy speaker of the house, Hon Roland Asoro, Henry Okhuarobo the former majority leader of the house.
Among others are Hon Nosayaba Okunbor, former member of the House, Mrs Idehen Inimudu, former Commissioner during Adam Oshiomhole administration, former PDP State secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, former APC state chairman and a PDP governorship aspirant in the 2024 election.
