Corruption Allegation: Edo assembly inaugurates panel to probe ex-speaker

The Edo State House of Assembly has established a five-person ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of corruption and financial impropriety against its immediate past speaker, Blessing Agbebaku. The committee's inauguration marks the beginning of a probe into Agbebaku's tenure, focusing on issues such as inflated costs for official vehicle procurements.

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I want to let you know that it is not a witch-hunt. What you are seeing today, I would say, is the beauty of democracy. In democracy, the people choose you, when they are also tired of you, they will say, okay, you can go, let’s try somebody else. That is what happened. The allegations are not yet proven 100 per cent. I cannot measure some of them now, as we go forward, it will begin to unveil

Bright Iyamu, chairman of the committee and representative for Orhionmwon South State Constituency, assured the public that the investigation would be transparent, fair, and free from any form of vendetta. He described the process as a standard democratic procedure, emphasizing that it is not a targeted "witch-hunt" against any individual. Iyamu stated that while the allegations are not yet fully proven, the investigation will gradually unveil the truth.

Iyamu pledged to lead a thorough and open inquiry alongside the other four committee members. He acknowledged that despite their collegial relationship within the assembly, the committee must diligently carry out its assigned task. "Today, I am the chairman of the committee. I will do my best to do a thorough job. The other four members and I will work together," he stated, vowing to uncover and present the "real truth" to the world.

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For the former speaker, we are all one in the house of assembly, but that does not mean we cannot do what we are asked to do. Today, I am the chairman of the committee. I will do my best to do a thorough job. The other four members and I will work together

The committee's scope will initially focus on the house's finances, particularly the procurement of vehicles like Lexus SUVs and Hilux trucks. Iyamu explained that financial matters often lead to problems within organizations and institutions, making it the primary area of examination. The committee will scrutinize whether vehicles were purchased according to due process.

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We will be looking at the finances. Most of the times, finance is the thing that causes problems in every organisation or institution. So, that is the first thing we will be looking at. We will be looking at whether a vehicle was bought or whatever, whether it went through due process or not

The investigation, mandated to report back within two weeks, follows Agbebaku's resignation and suspension. Trouble for the former speaker began during a plenary session where allegations of financial impropriety, including inflated procurement costs for official vehicles intended for lawmakers, were raised. The committee's work is expected to shed light on these serious allegations.

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The former speaker is not my enemy; he is my friend, but when I am given a job to do, I do it diligently. We will ensure the investigation is open. We will make everybody understand that this is an open policy. We are not trying to be vindictive