FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko (PDP, Esan North-East II) has voluntarily resigned her position due to the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Assembly.
Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the eighth Assembly on June 16, 2023 and served in that capacity until her resignation.
In her place, Mr Osamwonyi Atu (APC, Orhionmwon East) has been elected the new Deputy Speaker by members of the Assembly.
Following Oligbi-Edeko’s resignation, the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan moved that all the entitlement due to the office of the deputy speaker be accorded her.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Charity Airobarueghian.
In a voice vote, other lawmakers supported and adopted the motion.
In her resignation speech, Oligbi-Edeko said she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness and equity for all the constituencies.
She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the Assembly.
Lawmakers, who took turns to shower accolades on Oligbi-Edeko following the announcement of her resignation, praised her unwavering dedication, passion for public service and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.
Many of the lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure.