This decision comes after the House received letters from the PDP, APC, and LP regarding the composition of the Principal Officers Council. During the last plenary session, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, only read the letter from the PDP, deferring the reading of letters from the opposition parties due to unresolved differences.
Following the announcement, Rt. Hon. Agbebaku urged all members to prioritise the common good and the interests of their constituencies and the state as a whole. The inclusion of opposition members in key positions demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governance and collaborative decision-making.
In addition to the composition of the Principal Officers Council, the House also announced the formation of its standing committees. The selection committee will be chaired by the Speaker, while the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Marie Edekor, will lead the Tenders board.
Furthermore, various committees have been assigned to address important areas of governance. Hon. Charity Iguodala will chair the Rules, Business, and Government House Committee, while Hon. Akokhia Abdulganiyu will head the Service Committee. Hon. Emankhu Isibor will chair the Public Committee, and Hon. Osamwonyi Atu will be in charge of the Public Accounts Committee.
The House has also appointed committee chairpersons for Agriculture and Food Security, Appreciation and Budget, Project Monitoring, Water Resources, Commerce and Industry, Education, and Environment and Sustainability. Hon. Osamwonyi Kaycee, Hon. Ojiezele Sunday, Hon. Ibhamaw Aigbokhan, Hon. Lucky Mustapha, Hon. Asonsere Nicholas Friday, Hon. Inegbeboh Ojie, and Hon. Oshomah Ahmed will lead these respective committees.
Other committees such as Health, Information, Youth and Sport, Humanitarian Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Solid Mineral, Mining, Oil and Gas, Women Affairs, Gender Issues and Social Development, Works and Public Utilities, and Finance and Economic Planning have also been established. Hon. Dr Edosa Osaro, Hon. Okogbe Donald, Hon. Frank Omosigho, Hon. Uzamere Andrew, Hon. Osawaru Natasha, Hon. Iyamu Bright, and Hon. Yekini Idaiye have been appointed as chairpersons of these committees.
The formation of these committees signifies the commitment of the Edo State House of Assembly to address crucial areas of governance and ensure effective representation and oversight. The appointment of members from the opposition party showcases a collaborative approach towards achieving the developmental goals of the state. The committees will play a vital role in shaping policies and initiatives that impact the lives of the people of Edo State.