Blessing Agbebaku (PDP-Owan West), on Friday, emerged as Speaker of the 8th Edo House of Assembly.
Agbebaku was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past Speaker, Marcus Onobun.
Hon Frank Okiye, the ex-speaker of the Assembly in 2019 appointed Agbebaku as his Chief of Staff.
Agbebaku was a lawmaker in the Assembly between 2007 and 2011.
They did not complete their tenure as they were among the Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers that were chased away during the revolution that stopped PDP dominance of the Assembly.
Hon. Agbebaku holds a Bsc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin.
Agbebaku was elected the Speaker of the 8th Assembly by the lawmakers shortly after a letter of the proclamation of the assembly by Governor Godwin Obaseki was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Yahaya Omogbai, in Benin.
Mrs Maria Edekor (PDP-Esan North East II) was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
NAN reports that 24 members-elect were also inaugurated into the 8th assembly.
Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Agbebaku promised a unified assembly that would move the state to greater heights through effective legislation.
He thanked God for his protection and guidance throughout the electoral process and for his emergency as the speaker.
He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for giving him the privilege and for believing in his capacity and competence to serve as speaker.
“Choosing me to lead this assembly is a great honour and privilege bestowed upon me with a sense of responsibility and acceptance.
“I will not take this position for granted. I will carry everyone along irrespective of their political affiliations.
“I commend the 7th assembly for setting the template in legislative activities which has placed the assembly on the right track.
“I assure all that we will put Edo people first as we perform our oversight functions and make the state great again,” he said.
Agbebaku thanked Gov. Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for leading the party in the right direction.
