The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday declined a request from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) seeking to alter the minority leadership structure of the legislature, citing failure to comply with established parliamentary procedures.
The request emerged following the defection of three lawmakers who were formerly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the NDC, a development that prompted the party to seek a reconstitution of the minority leadership in the assembly.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, the Edo State Chairman of the NDC, David Olukoga, formally notified lawmakers of the defection of Natasha Osawaru, representing Egor Constituency; Charity Aiguobarueghian, who previously served as Minority Leader and represents Ovia North-East I Constituency; and Uyi Omosigho of Oredo East Constituency.
The letter further proposed the appointment of Osawaru as the new Minority Leader and nominated Omosigho for the position of Minority Whip.
However, the request generated extensive deliberations on the floor of the House, with a majority of lawmakers arguing that the process adopted by the party did not align with the required legislative procedures for effecting changes in the assembly’s leadership positions. Consequently, the request was stepped down pending compliance with the appropriate parliamentary guidelines.
In a separate legislative action, the House screened and confirmed Mr Jeffrey Iriabekhai as a commissioner-nominee. Lawmakers described him as academically qualified and professionally competent, citing his background as an intelligence expert and his previous service with the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Assembly also approved its business calendar for the first quarter of the fourth legislative session in 2026.
According to the Majority Leader, the calendar, which outlines 51 legislative sitting days from June to August, is designed to enable the House effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities and address critical matters affecting the state within the period.