Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on members of the state house of assembly to set aside personal differences and work together, emphasizing that political office is temporary and must be approached with humility and dedication to public service.
Leadership Crisis and Speaker's Resignation
The governor's remarks came after former speaker Blessing Agbebaku resigned on Monday amid threats of impeachment over alleged vehicle procurement fraud. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, members of the assembly had accused Agbebaku of inflating the purchase prices of Lexus 570 Jeeps and Hilux vehicles procured for the assembly, with impeachment moves already underway before he quit.
Okpebholo made the remarks when he received new speaker Yekini Idaiye and 13 other members of the assembly at the government house in Benin City. He urged Idaiye to champion unity, transparency and teamwork as the assembly's fresh leadership settles in.
Governor's Warning to New Speaker
Addressing Idaiye directly, Okpebholo said the new speaker must ensure that every lawmaker is fully carried along in the assembly's legislative affairs. He cautioned that shutting members out of key decisions risked creating the same kind of friction that brought down the previous leadership.
"Don't be just an ordinary speaker," the governor told Idaiye, stressing that the office carries weighty responsibilities that go beyond ceremony.
Okpebholo also advised lawmakers to resolve any internal disagreements within the chamber rather than airing them on social media, describing mutual respect as central to effective legislative work. He said the emergence of new leadership offered a chance to reset relationships and build a stronger, more cohesive assembly.
New Speaker Pledges Support for Governor
Idaiye said the visit to the government house was meant to formally introduce the new legislative leadership to the governor and offer assurances of cooperation. He said the assembly was committed to supporting Okpebholo's administration through sound legislation and a constructive working relationship with the executive arm of government.
The governor identified teamwork as the foundation of good legislative leadership and encouraged members to raise concerns through dialogue rather than public confrontation. The assembly's fresh start under Idaiye is expected to focus on restoring stability and ensuring legislative business proceeds without the disruptions that marked the previous leadership.
