Politics

Edo Assembly reverses decision on entitlements for immediate past deputy speaker

Published

10 months ago

June 22, 2025

The Edo State House of Assembly has reversed its earlier resolution which mandated Hon. Maria Edeko to continuously benefit from the entitlements due to the office of the Deputy Speaker of the House.

DAILY POST reports that the House’s decision came one month after the lawmakers passed the resolution during her formal resignation from the position of Deputy Speaker.

Maria Edeko, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmaker representing Esan North-East II, formally resigned from her position on May 19, 2025, following the attainment of majority status in the House due to the defection of the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and several others to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

In the resolution, Hon. Edeko was to continuously enjoy all the benefits accruing to her former office, such as salary, allowances, vehicles, among others.

However, the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, at a plenary sitting on Wednesday, one month later, announced the decision to reverse the House’s resolution.

“On that very day of Rt-Hon Maria Edeko’s resignation, there was a document before me that stated that all the entitlements accrued to her as the former deputy speaker should be restored.

“Please, there is now a correction on that, that it is not all the entitlements, just a vehicle alone. Please, that should be corrected”, he said.

DAILY POST recalls that in what appeared to be a “valedictory session”, the lawmakers had unanimously adopted a resolution to accord her all the entitlements accruing to her former office.

The motion was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, APC, Esan West constituency, and supported by the Minority Leader, Hon. Charity Airobarueghian Ighodalo, Ovia North-East I constituency.

Aigbokhan said the resolution was in appreciation of her contributions and innovation to legislation in the state.

The lawmakers, in their separate contributions, showered accolades on the immediate past Deputy Speaker.

They praised her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.

They also described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her time as Deputy Speaker.

The Speaker said the House would be pleading with the former Deputy Speaker to continue to remain at the forefront of discourse and at the forefront of everything that the lawmakers will be doing at the House.

Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

3 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.