Why Edo Assembly Deputy Speaker, Oligbi-Edeko Voluntarily Resigned
By Simeon OSAJIE
Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, member representing Esan North-East Constituency II on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voluntarily resigned her position due to the minority status of the PDP in the Assembly.
Barrister Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served in that capacity until her resignation.
However, the member representing Orhionmwon East Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, emerged the new deputy speaker after members unanimously voted.
Following Oligbi-Edeko resignation, the Majority Leader Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West) moved that all the entitlement due to the office of the deputy speaker should be accorded her.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North-East Constituency I). In a voice votes, other lawmakers supported and adopted the motion.
In her resignation speech, Rt. Hon. Maria Oligbi-Edeko said she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies.
She therefore appealed to the state government to address this gross inclusion of women form this critical level of governance in the state.
“As a true democrat, I will continuously support Mr. Speaker and the governor to bring the benefits of democracy to our suffering people. I will continue to carry out my legislative functions to my constituency, with great passion and love for humanity,” she said.
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 Oligbi-Edeko 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.
Until her resignation as deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. Maria Oligbi-Edeko was the Chairperson of the ad hoc committee on the review of worker’s salaries (the popular CONLESS), Member of the ad hoc Committee for the drafting of the Financial Autonomy Bill for Edo State House of Assembly – a most transformative law and Chairperson for the preparation of the first budget for the EDHA, after becoming financially autonomous. She also advocated for the training and retraining of staff and compliance with due process etc.
