Hon. Osamwonyi Atu Elected as Successor Following PDP’s Loss of Majority Status
From Moshood Karim
The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mrs Maria Edeko, has formally resigned from her position. Her resignation, which took place on Monday, comes amidst a shift in the balance of power within the Assembly, following the growing influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rt. Hon. Edeko, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Esan North-East II Constituency, cited the new minority status of her party in the House as the primary reason for stepping down. The APC currently holds 16 seats, giving it a clear majority over the PDP and other parties.
“It is no longer tenable for me to remain Deputy Speaker when my party no longer holds the majority in the House,” Edeko said, underscoring the conventional practice of allowing the majority party to occupy principal offices in the legislature.
Following her resignation, Hon. Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, representing Orhionmwon East Constituency, was elected to serve as the new Deputy Speaker. His emergence reflects the new power structure within the Edo State House of Assembly, where the APC is now the dominant party.
Hon. Atu’s elevation was confirmed during a plenary session of the House, receiving backing from a majority of members. His appointment is seen as a strategic consolidation of the APC’s leadership within the state legislature.
Political analysts suggest that this development could signal further realignments within the Assembly, particularly as the state gears up for future electoral contests. The PDP, which once held sway in the House, now finds itself reassessing its position and strategies in the wake of the APC’s ascendancy.
Rt. Hon. Edeko, who is known for her legislative acumen and advocacy on social issues, is expected to continue serving her constituents despite relinquishing her leadership role.
The Edo State House of Assembly is composed of 24 members, and the recent shift has significant implications for legislative proceedings, party negotiations, and the broader political landscape of the State.
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