Politics

Edo Speaker’s Fate Hangs In The Balance As Group Pushes For His Removal

Published

5 months ago

March 19, 2025

The political landscape in Edo State is heating up as the tenure of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, hangs in the balance.

A seismic shift is underway, fueled by fervent agitations from various concerned groups of the ruling APC, determined to unseat him from his position.

Leading the charge is the Edo North Conscience (ENC), a dynamic political and highly opinionated group that has unleashed a bold statement aimed at overturning the Speaker’s hold on power.

The Group fervently believes that his continued tenure clashes with both the moral and political values dear not only to the state, but members of the party in power, who went through endless turmoils and pains to install their candidate as governor.

At a recent high-stake stakeholders meeting in Auchi, Etsako West, members from across the Edo North district rallied together, unified in their opposition to Agbebaku’s continued retention as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

With visible passion and pains in their voices, coupled with resolve in their hearts, the ENC has vowed to initiate the process that could ultimately lead to Agbebaku’s removal.

This rallying cry was captured in a communique signed by the group’s leader, Mr Oshioke Aledeh, and Secretary, Mr Tunde Balogun.

The communique also signalled a dramatic push for change in Edo politics.

In a dramatic twist of political fate, the ENC is leading the charge to unseat the Speaker, with the group also labelling him as a “political brute”.

According to the ENC, the embattled Speaker orchestrated the brutal campaign that left APC members reeling in pains and discomfort during the tumultuous state assembly elections that paved the way for his ascension to power.

The ENC also recounted the harrowing tales of assault suffered by some prominent APC leaders and members in the hands of the Speaker and his army of thugs, resulting in multiple injuries, the loss of properties and other valuables.

This, the Group added is in addition to the deafening war-mongering songs from the PDP across the entire Edo state prior to the September, 2024, elections, with erstwhile governor, Godwin Obaseki threatening to burn down the entire country if attempts are made to arrest notable and arrant political thugs traceable to the PDP.

They therefore questioned why Speaker Blessing Agbebaku should thrive where he has sown only discord. They equally added that the Speaker, even when pretending to be at home with incumbent Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo still has his loyalty intact with his parent platform, the PDP.

Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku ascended to the Speaker’s chair backed by the then-dominant PDP, but their power has dwindled in recent months with a wave of defections to the APC.

Now, the APC commands a significant majority in the House, boasting 13 seats to the PDP’s 11.

With the Speaker hailing from the party with the smallest block, a palpable hunger for change has emerged.

The ENC have therefore stepped into the fray and vowed to champion the cause for the Speaker’s removal, which it described as “untenable and inexplicable”.

Also, the ENC has declared that its clamour for the removal of the incumbent Speaker is not just about party politics, but a rallying cry that will reverberate through APC circles not only in Edo State but the country at large, by bringing this obviously abnormally to the ears of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Group equally vowed to reach out to influential APC stakeholders, including Gov Okpebholo, insisting it’s time for the APC to take its rightful place by having one of its own as the Speaker.

As the days unfold, all eyes will be on the beleaguered Speaker and his strategy to navigate the escalating demands for his ousting, even when the APC appears stoutly prepared for his removal having attained the majority status in the House.

In the midst of all these, will Blessing Agbebaku find a way to hold on to power, or his reign on the verge of collapse? Only time would tell.

But the obvious fact is that the Edo political atmosphere has become charged with Speaker Blessing Agbebaku still holding firm. Only his removal from the seat appears to be the only balm that would soothe members of the ruling APC, led by Governor Monday Okpebhol.

Related Topics:#Edo Assembly.Blessing Agbebaku Edo

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Politics

Any Politician Promising Single Term Needs Psychiatric Test – Soludo

Published

8 hours ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has slammed politicians promising to serve only one term in office.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said any politician pledging to serve only one term in office needs to undergo a psychiatric test.

Soludo stated this on Saturday during a political rally held in Anambra South in support of his second-term ambition.

The governor questioned the logic behind such a promise, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution allows elected public officials to serve two terms, not just one.

“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools?

“You come to people and say you will do only one term, any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said.

This is coming a month after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called for a single-term tenure of six years.

Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said he is willing to accept a one-term presidency in the spirit of equity and zoning.

He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, July 6.

The former Governor of Anambra State said four years is enough for any serious and sincere leader to make an impact.

He said, “One term is enough to establish that good governance is possible, and if they can impact negatively on us for just two years, why won’t someone achieve a lot in four years?

“It’s also to respect the gentleman’s agreement of zoning, which has been a stabilising factor even though it’s not in our constitution.

“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance. In two years, there has been maximum damage.

“Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president who cares and shows compassion.”

Politics

PDP Has Been Bought By APC – Dino Melaye

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been “purchased” by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Melaye made the allegation while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday night, a day after submitting his resignation letter to PDP.

According to him, the opposition party receives dates for its National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings directly from the Presidential Villa.

“PDP has been purchased by the APC. The PDP is a parastatal of the APC. In fact, they take dates for NEC meetings and NWC from Aso Villa. Look at these PDP governors, are they acting as opposition? And you know how powerful governors are,” Melaye said

Politics

Drama As Ebonyi Politician Declares Self ADC National VC South-East

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

The National Convener of Turn By Turn Initiatives, Ben Nworie has declared himself the Interim National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC South East zone.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Nworie noted that the south east zone needs a vocal and vibrant politician who would advance the fortunes of the coalition movement in the zone.

Also, an Abia born media expert, Obinna George, emerged as the South East zonal Publicity Secretary of the ADC.

Mr Obinna George is expected to deploy his media expertise in propagating the activities of ADC in the zone.

Nworie said his decision to become the Interim National Vice chairman was to galvanise support of the people of the zone to join the political revolution for a prosperous nat

According to him; “my burning desire to become the Interim National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Party, South east zone is to galvanise. Supports for our great party in the zone. ADC is not just a coalition but a political revolution that will end the decade of misrule by the present government”.

“ADC stands a better opportunity to rescue Nigeria from the present economic hardship and forge a common front towards advancing the future of a new Nigeria. Let me state categorically that coalition brought the present government to power and the same coalition will sack it out of power’.

“I want to urge the people of south east to embrace ADC as the only veritable platform that will address decades of marginalization, depression and neglect. It is time for us to speak in one voice and support the movement. It is time for the South east zone to stand up to be counted as the movers and shakers of the coalition”.

“As the National Vice Chairman of ADC, I accept the responsibilty to lead our dear party in the zone and I want to declare that our coalition is open to every Nigerian who is passionate to change the old order into a new order, where all the critical sectors will be functional”.

“I commend our Interim National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark; Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and indeed all other national leaders who are sacrificing a lot to ensure that Nigeria is liberated from the shackles of poverty, which has become our fair share of national cake”.

“I want to thank all our members across the five states of the south east for your resilience, deep commitment and sacrifices in promoting and galvanising support for our party”.

The National Vice Chairman further appealed to all aggrieved members of the party to withdraw all litigations for the over all interest of the Nigerian People whose only hope for a better nation is rested on ADC.