Nelson Utip
Stakeholders from Owan Federal Constituency have rejected the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, describing it as an attempt to undermine the independence and integrity of the state legislature.
Agbebaku’s resigned followed mounting pressure and allegations surrounding his leadership of the Assembly. His exit subsequently paved the way for a change in leadership, sparking widespread reactions and renewed concerns over political developments within the Edo State House of Assembly.
Political Leaders from Owan Federal Constituency have, however, expressed strong reservations over the development, they insist that the circumstances leading to Agbebaku’s resignation demand urgent scrutiny.
The stakeholders posit that the independence of the legislature must be protected and that political disagreements should not be allowed to erode due process, institutional stability and democratic principles.
In a statement signed by Barr. Hon. Gordie Aigbodion and made available to journalists in Benin on Sunday, the stakeholders expressed “profound discontent” over what they considered backroom intimidation, executive arm-twisting and allegations allegedly used to force Agbebaku out of office.
The political leaders said the circumstances surrounding the former Speaker’s resignation amounted to an alleged subversion of legislative independence, they argued that excessive interference by the Executive in the affairs of the legislature could weaken the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
The stakeholders believe that while political disagreements were not unusual in parliamentary politics, the alleged intervention of the Executive in compelling the exit of the head of the legislature constituted a threat to the constitutional principle of separation of powers and checks and balances.
They however, emphasized that its position should not be interpreted as a blanket endorsement of Agbebaku’s tenure, saying it neither condoned corruption nor supported any improper conduct by public office holders.
The leaders maintained that fairness demanded that his achievements should not be ignored or erased on account of political disagreements while listing constituency outreach and development initiatives, legislative continuity during periods of political transition and the representation of Owan interests at the state’s highest decision-making level among the achievements they attributed to the former Speaker.
They also alleged that the former Speaker’s resignation was part of a wider pattern of political marginalisation of the Owan people, particularly in relation to access to major political offices and opportunities within Edo North Senatorial District.
They warned that Owan West and Owan East would no longer accept what it described as political disrespect and intimidation of their elected representatives, stressing that the people’s votes remained important in determining electoral outcomes in the state.
The stakeholders called on Owan traditional rulers, elders, community associations and political leaders to break their silence, unite across party lines and convene an emergency stakeholders’ summit to address what it described as the political marginalization of Owan people and protect their collective interests.
