By DADA AYOKHAI
Amid the pomp and pageantry heralding the second anniversary of Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, there is also an opportunity for stock-taking.
As typical for elected officials in high political offices, Thanksgiving Mass and grand backslapping reception were organized with the state governor Senator Monday okpeholo in attendance
Rt. Hon. Agbebaku represents the Owan West constituency in the state House of Assembly.
He emerged as the eighth Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly in June 2023, towards the tail end of former Gov Godwin Obaseki’s tenure.
Owan West, where Rt. Hon. Agbebaku hails from, has the unique distinction of producing the late Rt. Hon. Benson Alegbe who was the first person of the Edo North extraction to serve as Speaker of the then Bendel State House of Assembly during the Second Republic.
Since his election as a lawmaker in 2007, Rt. Hon. Agbebaku’s political profile has grown significantly.
Notably, he has quickly learned the legislative ropes and built alliances with fellow lawmakers, regardless of political affiliations.
Even with all the hiccups and some of the dramatic skirmishes, sometimes escalating into chair throwing, fisticuffs and mace stealing, as we have witnessed happen in other state assemblies across the country, Rt Hon Agbebaku must be given credit for his level headedness and stability that has trailed the actions of the Assembly under his watch
For the record, Rt. Hon. Agbebaku has served under two governors—former Governor Obaseki and the current Governor Okpevbolo.
He has skillfully balanced his responsibilities, ensuring he prioritised the legislative agenda to fit in with the yearnings of the people, while also fostering cooperation with the executive branch.
Indeed, the Speaker deserves commendation for unifying the diverse elements within the House into a cohesive unit.
Even amidst turmoil that could have led to endless conflicts if not properly handled, Rt Hon Agbebaku is widely acknowledged as a crisis manager
Most times, he hardly loses his calm disposition
Even among the cacophony of voices shouting for recognition, he remains calm and in complete control of the situation.
Once he steps in to calm frayed nerves and diffuse tension, he often does so from the standpoint of mutuality and decorum and to guide the House in the right direction.
Among his many supporters, most of whom can see through his genuine love for the people, Rt Hon Agbebaku is a politician’s politician, whatever that means .
Away from politics, the Speaker is making serious inroads in the social and community arena.
There are numerous infrastructures throughout the Owan nation that bear the mark of the Speaker’s influence.
Leveraging his close relationship with the governor, he has successfully attracted some unique projects to his Owan constituency.
One project of particular significance is the Sabongida Ora-Sobe road, which serves as a vital link to several communities .
The road connects Edo State with its neighbouring states and also served as alternative route to Benin -Ekpoma Abuja road in accessing Edo north district of the state.
There is, however, one aspect of the Speaker’s political life that has left a sour taste and created a significant gap: his recent defection from the PDP to the APC.
This singular act, according to some of his supporters, has greatly damaged the Speaker’s reputation and undermined his following.
Although the circumstances surrounding his defection remain unclear, many believe it was driven by a desire for political survival rather than any other reasons he may have adduced.
Supporters who were disappointed by his decision believe he missed a golden opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the political landscape.
They contend that by defecting, he forfeited the chance to serve as a counterbalance to the governor.
They further argued that if he had chosen to stay with the PDP, the worst outcome would have been his impeachment.
In response to those who might be misinformed on his decision to defect to the APC, Hon Agbebaku while addressing his colleagues at the hallowed chamber said
“Distinguished members, I want to formally let this House know that yesterday, the Speaker of this House, Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC,”
Agbebaku explained that his constituents were in support of his decision, noting: “There are ongoing developmental projects in Owan West Constituency initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.”
“So, my defection was not driven by personal gains but commitment to the welfare of those who elected me. Politics is all about interest, but not my interest, the interest of my people that gave me the mandate to be here today,” he added.
