By NewsMata
Power will soon change hands in the Edo State House of Assembly as the defection of four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) on Wednesday now places the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the majority.
The implication is that the incumbent Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku of the PDP will have to vacate the seat for a new speaker from the APC now in control.
In a reversal of political fortune, three members of the PDP and a member of the Labour Party (LP) dumped their parties to boost the number of the APC from nine to 13 leaving the PDP with 11 members from its original 15.
The defectors are Donald Okugbe, (Akoko Edo Constituency II); Bright Iyamu, (Orhionmwon South Constituency II); Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency) and Sunday Ojezele, (Esan South-East). Though Ojezele joined the APC well ahead of the others, he was however formally received into the party Wednesday alongside the new entrants. While Okugbe, Iyamu and Ojezele were elected on the platform of the PDP, Edosa was sponsored by the LP.
Given this new development, the incumbent Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, may anytime from now lose his seat to a new speaker from the ruling party now in the majority. Okugbe, who hails from the same senatorial district with Agbebaku, is being tipped to replace him given the power-sharing structure in the state.
Receiving the defectors into the APC at its party secretariat, Tenebe said the defection of the lawmakers remained a significant moment for the party in the state, and assured the lawmakers that the party would accord them the same right and privileges just like any other members of the party.
According to Tenebe, “These Honorable Members, who bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognized that the APC offers the most promising path forward for Edo State and our nation, Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the policies, the integrity of the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the unwavering dedication to make the lives of Edo people better.
“We understand that the decision to change political allegiances is not taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction, and a belief in a better future. We commend these honourable members for their bravery and for their willingness to stand with us as we join hands with Governor Monday Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and secure the lives of Edo people.
“This is not merely a matter of increasing our numbers. It is about strengthening our collective resolve. It is about bringing together individuals who share a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference.
“We value the contributions of each and every member, and we are confident that our new Honorable Members will play a vital role in our journey towards success.
Speaking on behalf of other defectors, Edosa described the development as a defining moment for them. The former LP lawmaker said the obvious division in their various parties that gave them platform also provided the platform for them to dump the party due to intractable crisis from the National to the state and local government.
Edosa said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. We believe in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and decided to join him to achieve his vision for Edo State. We promise to work with the governor to build the party and the state.
Earlier, Tenebe, the APC Acting Chairman, presented each of the new members with a broom which is the symbol of the party.