The Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday witnessed the nomination of Mr. Eugene Inegbeboh (PDP, Igueben) as the new Minority Whip, replacing Mr. Yekini Idiaye (Akoko-Edo I) who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku announced the nomination during plenary, reading a letter from the state PDP chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, officially endorsing Inegbeboh for the position. The announcement, however, was met with immediate opposition.
Mr. Addeh Isibor (APC, Esan North-East I) challenged the legitimacy of the nomination, arguing that Dr. Aziegbemi’s chairmanship was currently being contested in court. This sparked a rowdy session amongst lawmakers.
Minority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian swiftly refuted Isibor’s claim, describing it as misleading and unfounded. Speaker Agbebaku intervened to restore order, asserting that the House holds no jurisdiction over internal party affairs. He urged members to cease further debate on the matter and allow the nomination to proceed.
Despite the initial disruption, the House successfully conducted its business, including the passage of a significant bill aimed at fostering infrastructural development. The Edo State Public-Private Partnership Agency Bill was passed, designed to encourage and facilitate public-private partnerships across the state. This initiative is expected to bolster infrastructure projects and contribute to the overall economic growth of Edo State.