The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has defended the impeachment of the state’s former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, calling it a “good achievement” for the legislative body.
Agbebaku made the remarks on Wednesday during a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the 8th Assembly. He stated that the impeachment process followed due process and demonstrated the Assembly’s independence.
“To me, I stand tall to say that the impeachment of the former deputy governor is a good record because we are doing our legislative duty. That also showed that the 8th Assembly is very independent,” Agbebaku said.
Shaibu was impeached on March 8, 2024, after a seven-member panel set up by the Chief Judge found him guilty of disclosing government information to the public. The impeachment made history, as Shaibu became the first known Deputy Governor to be impeached in the region since the days of the Midwest region, Bendel State, and now Edo State.
During the briefing, Agbebaku also addressed the suspension of three lawmakers – Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo11), Bright Iyamu (PDP- Orhionmwon South), and Addeh Isibor (APC- Esan North East 1) – over an alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers.
The Speaker stated that the lawmakers are “paying the price of disobedience to the laid down rules and regulations of the House.” A committee was set up to investigate the reasons for their suspension, and its report, expected in the next three weeks, will determine the next course of action.
Agbebaku also highlighted the Assembly’s achievements in the past year, stating that they had passed 44 resolutions and 16 bills with various economic, social, political, and religious impacts on the people of the state. He promised that the bills and resolutions to be passed in the second year would benefit the development and growth of Edo State’s constituents.
The impeachment of the former Deputy Governor and the suspension of the three lawmakers have sparked debates about the separation of powers and the role of the legislature in holding public officials accountable.
