Edo deputy speaker resigns over minority status
By Titus Akhigbe
The Deputy Speaker of the Edo 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 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served in that capacity until her resignation.
Mr Osamwonyi Atu (APC Orhionmwon East), however, emerged the new deputy speaker after members unanimously
voted.
Following her resignation as deputy speaker,the Majority Leader ,Jonathan Aigbokhan ( APC-Esan West) moved that all the entitlements due to the office should be accorded to Atu,the new deputy.
The motion was seconded by the minority leader Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North East 1).
In a voice votes, 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 in the House took turns to shower accolades on the former deputy speaker,following the announcement of her resignation.
They 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 as deputy speaker.
