Edo Deputy Speaker Maria Oligbi-Edeko Resigns In Pursuit Of Fairnes.
Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) representative for Esan North East II, has voluntarily stepped down as Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly. The resignation, announced during a recent session, was described by Oligbi-Edeko as a necessary step to ensure “justice, fairness, and equity” for all constituencies, given the PDP’s current status as the minority party in the House.
Addressing her colleagues, Oligbi-Edeko expressed gratitude to the PDP’s leaders and members for their trust in her to represent her constituency. Elected as Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on 16 June 2023, she leaves behind a legacy of dedication and impactful contributions to the legislative process.
Lawmakers across party lines praised Oligbi-Edeko’s tenure, describing her as a committed leader whose passion for public service and unwavering integrity left an indelible mark. “Her contributions have had a lasting impact on our legislative process,” one member noted, while others commended her principled leadership and selfless decision to step aside.
Following her resignation, Mr Osamwonyi Atu (APC-Orhionmwon East) was unanimously elected as the new Deputy Speaker, marking a smooth transition in the Assembly’s leadership.
Oligbi-Edeko’s decision has been widely seen as a rare act of statesmanship in Nigerian politics, reinforcing her reputation as a leader driven by principle over position. As the Edo House moves forward, her legacy is expected to inspire continued efforts towards equitable representation and robust legislative engagement.
