May 19, (THEWILL) – The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has resigned from her position following a series of defections that cost the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) its majority in the House.
Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North-East II Constituency, announced her resignation during plenary on Monday, May 19, in Benin City.
Her decision came shortly after the Speaker and several other lawmakers defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In her resignation letter to the House, Oligbi-Edeko stated, “My resignation is to allow justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies.”
Following her exit, the House unanimously elected Mr. Osamwonyi Atu, who represents Orhionmwon East under the APC, as the new Deputy Speaker.
Oligbi-Edeko, who was elected Deputy Speaker on June 16, 2023, expressed appreciation to PDP leaders and her colleagues for the opportunity to serve.
“I commend the leaders and members of the PDP for finding me worthy to represent my constituency in the Assembly,” she said.
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