Following the recent defection of four lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, a socio-political group, Edo North Conscience (ENC), on Thursday called for the removal of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, whose party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), just lost majority control.
It was reliably gathered that the fate of the speaker will be determined when the State House of Assembly reconvenes on the 7th of April after a recess by the leadership.
An expected shift is underway, fueled by fervent agitations from various concerned groups of the ruling APC, determined to unseat Agbebaku from his esteemed position. Leading the charge is the Edo North Conscience (ENC), a group known for its bold stance on political issues affecting the polity in the state.
At a recent well-attended stakeholder meeting in the ancient city of Auchi, Etsako West, members from across the Edo North district rallied together, unified in their opposition to Agbebaku’s continued retention as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly when his party (PDP) has since lost majority to the ruling APC.
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This rallying cry for the removal of the Speaker was well captured in a communiqué signed by the group’s leader, Mr. Oshioke Aledeh, and Secretary, Mr. Tunde Balogun. The group described Agbebaku, the speaker, as a “political brute,” who should be shown the way out.
According to the ENC, the embattled Speaker orchestrated the brutal campaign that left APC members reeling in pain and discomfort during the tumultuous state assembly elections that paved the way for his ascension to power.
The group also recounted the harrowing tales of assault suffered by some prominent APC leaders and members at the hands of the embattled Speaker and his alleged army of thugs, resulting in multiple injuries, and the loss of properties, and other valuables.
The group questioned why Agbebaku should thrive where he has reportedly sown only discord, adding that the Speaker, even when pretending to be at home with incumbent Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, still has his loyalty intact with his parent platform, the PDP.
The embattled speaker ascended to the position reportedly backed by the then-dominant PDP, but their power has dwindled in recent months with a wave of defections to the ruling APC.
Now, the APC commands a significant majority in the House, boasting 13 seats to the PDP’s 11.
