The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Blessing Agbebaku, has apologised to staff and others who witnessed the rowdiness at the plenary on Monday following the suspension of three members saying the matter has been resolved.

Hon. Blessing Agbebaku however stressed that it is not in the character of the 8th Assembly to have such a session, promising that the House is determined to minimise a re-occurrence of the incident.

The Speaker, at plenary, also expressed concern over the increasing spate of kidnapping activities in parts of the state. 

The Speaker said this while responding to a plea by the member representing Igueben Constituency, Hon. Eugene Inegbeboh, that the House wade into the problem of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, which is on the rise in his constituency.  

Hon. Agbebaku who urged all security agencies in the state to be alive to their responsibilities, promised to summon the council Chairman and security agents in Igueben Local Government Area to discuss possible solutions to the problem.

The Edo State House of Assembly is to pass a bill for a law to establish the Edo State Tourism Agency charged with the responsibility to facilitate the development and regulation of Tourism in Edo, as members demonstrated their readiness by taking a strong stand in a debate at plenary expressing the agency's immense potentials at improving fortunes of the state.

Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian who commenced debate on the bill said if the state must reap abundant benefits, there is a need to take deliberate action to improve the industry, hence the need for the agency.

Other members including Hon. Maria Edeko representing Esan Northeast 2, Hon. Sunny Osezua Ojiezele of Esan Southeast, Hon. Osawaru Natasha of Egor Constituency, and Hon. Asonsere Nicholas of Ikpoba-Okha held similar line, favouring the establishment of the agency, saying with the agency, the economy of the state will experience a boost leading to development in communities and job creation.

Others who also favoured the bill comprise Hon. Richard Osaro representing Oredo West, Hon. Yekini Idaiye of Akoko Edo 1, and Hon. Sunday Aghedo of Ovia Southwest said the establishment of the agency will lead to the preservation of cultural heritage and enhance cultural exchange. 

Also today, the House adopted 24 days of working for the second quarter starting April 22nd, 2024 to June 14th, 2024.

The House plenary was thereafter adjourned to Monday, 13th May 2024 after an adjournment motion moved by Hon. Eugene Inegbeboh and seconded by Hon. Asonsere Nicholas.

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