Edo Assembly Speaker tenders apology to constituents regarding re-election ambitions

On Friday, Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, extended an apology to the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Owan West Local Government Area, a condition set by Owan West leaders for him to be recognized as an aspirant and align with the party's leadership in the area under Lucky Ohimai, also known as Tarex.

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This apology was a prerequisite for Agbebaku to be acknowledged as one of the aspirants seeking election to the House of Assembly, and it was made at an enlarged meeting of the APC held at Ohimai's residence.

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Agbebaku attended the meeting to harmonize and align with the Owan West APC family, led by Ohimai, and attributed past misunderstandings to the actions of overzealous and unidentified supporters.

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He offered a sincere apology and pledged his full cooperation, stating that he had never disputed Ohimai's party leadership in Owan West and would not do so in the future.

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Agbebaku expressed his commitment to working for the progress of the APC and the people, and he asked for forgiveness from those he may have wronged in the past, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

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He also informed Ohimai and the gathering that he was seeking re-election and appealed for support, emphasizing the need to utilize the opportunity for the benefit of all parties involved.

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However, the members at the meeting unanimously rejected Agbebaku's request for support for his third-term bid to the House of Assembly, instead asking him to join the queue with four other aspirants who had also expressed interest.

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Chairman of Ward 11, Lewis Ekpenga, expressed strong opposition to considering Agbebaku's plea, citing his past actions and stating that it would be unfair to the people of Owan West to support his candidacy.

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Johnson Abolagba suggested that the governor should consider aspirants who had worked for his election in 2024, such as Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Barr. George Ohioma, Atafo Gold, and Juliana Ikharo, who had remained loyal to the party.

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Those in attendance at the meeting included APC Chairman in Owan West LGA, Joy Ohonyon, Johnson Abolagba, Joe Ekpekhio, Ojo Asein, and Stanley Amu, among others.