The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku on Wednesday, said the decision to impeach the former Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu was a good achievement for the House.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that Agbebaku made the remarks while answering questions from newsmen during a press briefing on the occasion of the first anniversary of the 8th Assembly.
Recall that Philip Shaibu was impeached as the Deputy governor of the state on March 8, 2024, by the House.
The impeachment was carried out after the former Deputy Governor was found guilty of disclosing government information to the public, by the seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
The panel was set up to investigate the impeachment petition sent by the Speaker of the House
Shaibu is the first known Deputy governor to be impeached right from the Midwest region, Bendel State and now Edo State by the State House of Assembly.
Speaking on the impeachment, Agbebaku said, “The process of the impeachment was followed to the letter.
He said ”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 also added that the three lawmakers who were suspended by the House are paying the price of disobedience to the laid down rules and regulations of the House.
The lawmakers were on May 6, 2024, suspended over an alleged plot to impeach the Speaker of the House and other principal officers.
They were also accused of being used by some “external forces” to cause chaos in the House and to plot the removal of the leadership of the House.
The suspended legislators are Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo11), Bright Iyamu (PDP- Orhionmwon South) and Addeh Isibor (APC- Esan North East 1).
The Speaker who said a committee was set up to investigate the reasons for their suspension added that in the next three weeks, the committee would submit its reports.
He said from the committee’s report the House would decide the next line of action.
He, however, disclosed that in the last year, the House passed 44 resolutions, and 16 bills.
Agbebaku noted that the resolutions have helped the House establish a clear policy thrust while the bills have different economic, social, political and religious impacts on the people of the state.
He, however, promised the people of the state that the bills and resolutions to be passed in the second year would be to the benefit, development and growth of the constituents of the state.