The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, has accused his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, of allegedly inflating the cost of vehicles purchased for lawmakers.
Idaiye made the allegation on Monday during his inauguration as Speaker, saying the procurement of Lexus 570 jeeps and Toyota Hilux vehicles was among issues that required investigation.
The new Speaker also criticised the former leadership of the Assembly, alleging that it failed to meet the standard lawmakers had set for the legislature.
He said the House was established to make laws and conduct oversight activities for the benefit of Edo residents, rather than operate as a platform where one person determined when lawmakers would sit.
Idaiye said efforts to address alleged irregularities in the previous administration of the Assembly had been unsuccessful.
He recalled that the 24 lawmakers who inaugurated the current Assembly on June 16, 2023, had pledged to enact laws and carry out oversight functions aimed at improving the welfare of Edo residents.
He said the allegations surrounding the procurement of the Lexus 570 and Hilux vehicles would be thoroughly investigated.
According to him, the decision to suspend the former Speaker was necessary to allow the allegations against him to be properly examined.
Idaiye vowed that the new leadership would not allow the Assembly to be undermined by alleged corruption or actions that could compromise its responsibilities.
The Speaker also announced the dissolution of all political office holders attached to the office of the immediate past Speaker.
He directed that all official documents and other government property in Agbebaku’s possession be handed over to the Clerk of the House for proper documentation.
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Idaiye further directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to withdraw the official status previously accorded to the office of the former Speaker pending the conclusion of investigations.
The new Speaker said the measures were part of efforts to restore accountability, discipline and effective legislative administration in the Edo State House of Assembly.
