The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has confessed that he decided to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to enable him retain his position in the Assembly.
He disclosed this on Wednesday, while officially informing members of the House why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he was elected.
247nextnews.com reports that Agbebaku led four other PDP lawmakers to decamp to the ruling APC on Tuesday.
He explained that it was not about party allegiance but rather about the growth and progress of his area.
Agbebaku further noted that his constituents were in support of his decision, citing ongoing developmental projects in Owan West constituency initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“For me, it is not about the party but about the development of our area.
“As Speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people,” he stated.
“On that note, I took that decision, and I think to a large extent, my people are happy about it.
“I spoke about some of the projects the governor has taken to my area yesterday, and the people of Owan West are very happy,” .
The Speaker emphasised that his defection was not driven by personal gains but by a commitment to the welfare of those who elected him.
“Politics is all about interest: not my interest, but the interest of my people that gave me the mandate to be here today,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to unity within the House, noting that there was need to also have opposition in the House.
He pledged that the House would continue to work together in the interest of Edo people.
Agbebaku concluded by downplaying the role of political party lines within the Assembly, saying:
“To me, there is no party in this House. We are all working with the governor to take the state to the next level so that the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy. So, the issue of party affiliations should not arise.”
