The Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed Kassim Afegbua and seven other nominees as commissioner-designates, following a screening process conducted by the House Committee on Rules and Business Committee, led by Majority Leader Jonathan Aigbokhan.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had formally requested the Assembly to screen and confirm the nominees via a letter submitted to the legislative body.
The list of nominees included prominent figures such as Afegbua, Godwin Eshieshi, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, Felix Akhabue, and Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa.
During the plenary session, Chairman of the committee, Jonathan Aigbokhan, presented the committee’s report, highlighting the eligibility of the nominees to serve as commissioners.
The Speaker of the House affirmed the nominees’ competence, experience, and professional qualifications, leading to the committee’s recommendation for their confirmation.
The House subsequently confirmed the nominees as commissioner-designates through a voice vote.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, while congratulating the confirmed commissioners, voiced concerns regarding the gender imbalance in the nominations.
Noting that only one of the eight nominees was female, Agbebaku stated his intention to discuss the matter with the Governor, emphasizing the need for greater female representation in future appointments.
He also urged the commissioner-designates to respect the Assembly and collaborate effectively with the legislature to support the Governor’s agenda and ensure the success of his administration.