The new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, said the leadership change is needed to support Governor Monday Okpebholo’s plans for development.
In an interview after his swearing-in on Monday in Benin, Mr Idiaye pointed to “challenges of corruption and poor leadership” under the former speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, as reasons for the shift in the eighth assembly.
“Under the leadership of the former speaker, we have been passing through a lot of challenges.
“Corruption here and there. Every now and then, it is adjournment, we resume tomorrow, adjournment for another 30 days, 20 days, and we were all not too happy with this leadership style,” Mr Idiaye said.
The speaker noted that a weak legislature affects the executive directly. He said the assembly had to act to support the governor’s performance.
“Once the leadership is poor, it will drag the work of the governor backwards. So we decided to say no.
“We must encourage our performing governor because he is doing very well.
“So anything that will derail the performance or that will deprive the governor of his performance, we have to do something about it. Hence, the change of leadership.”
Mr Idiaye promised the house would fully cooperate with the state executive. He described the governor as a leader doing well and deserving legislative support.
“I can assure all of you that we are going to do everything possible to support the governor.
“He is doing a lot for the people of Edo, so we have to cooperate with him to move the state forward,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the new speaker was sworn in on Monday after the resignation and suspension of former speaker Blessing Agbebaku. This followed claims of inflating prices of Lexus 570 Jeeps and Hilux vehicles.
The assembly also announced new leaders, with Sanny OJezele from Esan South-East becoming the majority leader.
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