The political landscape in Edo State has been thrown into disarray following the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing a majority in the State House of Assembly. This dramatic shift in power has sparked a wave of political maneuvering, with a group under the aegis of Edo North Conscience (ENC) calling for the impeachment of Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the current Speaker of the House. The development has deepened the existing political tensions in the state, raising questions about the stability of governance and the future of legislative affairs in Edo.
The APC’s attainment of majority status in the Edo State House of Assembly marks a significant turning point in the state’s political dynamics. The party, which had been in the minority since the 2023 elections, gained the upper hand following the defection of several members from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other political groups. This shift has not only altered the balance of power but has also set the stage for a potential overhaul of the House’s leadership structure.
At the center of the unfolding drama is Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the House and a member of the PDP. Agbebaku, who has held the position since the inauguration of the current assembly, is now facing intense pressure to step down. The Edo North Conscience, a political pressure group, has been at the forefront of calls for his impeachment, accusing him of incompetence, bias, and failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in the House. The group argues that the Speaker’s continued leadership is untenable given the APC’s new majority status and the need for a more inclusive and effective legislative process.
In a statement issued by the ENC, the group outlined its reasons for demanding Agbebaku’s removal. “The current Speaker has consistently demonstrated a lack of impartiality and has failed to provide the kind of leadership that Edo State deserves. With the APC now in the majority, it is only right that the House is led by someone who can truly represent the interests of all members and ensure that the legislative agenda aligns with the aspirations of the people,” the statement read. The group has also called on APC members in the House to rally behind the impeachment move, describing it as a necessary step towards restoring integrity and functionality to the legislative arm of government.
The call for Agbebaku’s impeachment has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders in the state. Supporters of the APC have welcomed the move, viewing it as a natural consequence of the party’s newfound majority status. They argue that the Speaker’s position is no longer tenable given the shift in political alignment and that his continued tenure could hinder the effective functioning of the House. “The Speaker must understand that the dynamics have changed. It is only logical for the majority party to have a say in the leadership of the House,” said a prominent APC chieftain in Edo State.
On the other hand, members of the PDP and other opposition groups have condemned the impeachment calls, describing them as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the democratic process. They have accused the APC of using its majority status to settle political scores and impose its will on the House. “This is nothing but a power grab by the APC. The Speaker has done nothing wrong to warrant impeachment. This move is purely about politics, not governance,” said a PDP lawmaker who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Amid the escalating tensions, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku has remained defiant, vowing to resist any attempts to remove him from office. In a press briefing, the Speaker dismissed the impeachment calls as baseless and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Edo State. “I was elected as Speaker by my colleagues, and I remain focused on carrying out my duties with integrity and dedication. These calls for my impeachment are driven by selfish interests and have no basis in reality,” Agbebaku stated. He also called for calm and urged members of the House to prioritize the interests of the state above partisan politics.
The unfolding crisis has raised concerns about the potential impact on governance and legislative activities in Edo State. Analysts warn that the ongoing power struggle could lead to a paralysis of the House, delaying critical decisions and undermining the state’s development agenda. “The situation in Edo State is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. When political parties prioritize their interests over the common good, it is the people who suffer,” said political analyst Dr. Ngozi Okonkwo.
As the impeachment debate rages on, the focus now shifts to the members of the Edo State House of Assembly, who hold the key to resolving the crisis. The APC, with its majority status, is expected to push for a vote on the Speaker’s removal, while the PDP and other opposition groups are likely to mount a strong resistance. The outcome of this political showdown will have far-reaching implications for the state’s governance and the balance of power in the region.
For the people of Edo State, the crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the need for leaders to prioritize the public good over partisan interests. Many residents have expressed frustration over the ongoing political wrangling, calling for an end to the impasse and a return to normalcy. “We elected these leaders to work for us, not to engage in endless power struggles. It is time for them to put aside their differences and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy,” said a concerned citizen in Benin City.
The political turmoil in Edo State serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, where the pursuit of power often overshadows the principles of good governance and accountability. As the state grapples with this latest crisis, the hope is that reason and the rule of law will prevail, ensuring that the interests of the people remain at the forefront of all decisions. For now, the fate of Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and the leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly hangs in the balance, with the nation watching closely to see how this high-stakes political drama will unfold.
