The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, has accused his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, of inflating the cost of Lexus 570 and Toyota Hilux vehicles purchased for members.
Idiaye, who spoke during his inauguration on Monday, also accused the former Speaker of performing below the benchmark the lawmakers set for themselves.
He noted that parliament is about lawmaking and not a place of social meeting where only one individual decides when to sit or not to sit.
The new Speaker added that every attempt made to sanitize the leadership of the House was rebuffed.
He said, “Very Distinguished Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly, recall that on June 16th, 2023 when this great Assembly was inaugurated, it came with a burning zest by the 24 wise and honourable members to legislate for the common good of our people.
“Edo citizens here and in the diaspora felt a high sensation that laws, motions and oversight works would be done to better the living conditions of our people.
“To ensure that these weighty allegations, amongst which is inflating the price of purchasing the Lexus 570 jeeps and Hilux vehicles are thoroughly investigated, hence the suspension of the former Speaker pending when these allegations are fully looked into.
“We shall not allow the House to be riddled with misdirections and corruption due to the error and greed of few men.”
Idiaye vowed that never again shall a “blind and greedy man” be allowed to lead the Assembly.
He also announced the dissolution of all political office holders attached to the office of the immediate past Speaker.
According to him, all documents and paraphernalia of office in the possession of the former Speaker should be handed over to the clerk, who shall brief the leadership of the House subsequently.
The new Speaker equally directed the Commissioner of Police and all
security agencies to suspend the official status accorded the office of the former Speake, pending the conclusion of investigations.
Edo Assembly: Agbebaku inflated cost of vehicles bought for lawmakers – New Speaker