We’re Good with Gov Obaseki – Edo House of Assembly Members

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By Reporter

The leadership of Edo State House of Assembly has addressed reports of a growing acrimonious relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki, saying that the relationship between the executive and legislators in the state was without any problem.

The speaker in company of other principal officers of the house, addressed the media amidst stories of disenchantment and repressed complaints about their condition of service.

Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Agbebaku

Their silent revolt was about the condition of their legislative quarters along Ihama road, Benin City and the ‘refusal’ of Governor Obaseki to release their official cars to them which are parked in government house.

In his attempt to dismiss the brewing trouble, speaker Mr Blessing Agbebaku explained that the governor awarded the contract to renovate their quarters during tenure of the 7th Assembly before inauguration of the 8th Assembly.

Midwest Herald investigation has revealed that some principal officers in the 7th Assembly, (names withheld) cornered the contract to themselves. The former legislators shared the renovation of all 30 buildings among themselves.

Our check further showed that Obaseki was skeptical and reluctant to allow them handle the construction contract but, two of the legislators from Edo South, who were principal officers, harassed him to have their way.

Edo State House of Assembly Quarters

Allaying the fear that funds disbursed for the project may have been embezzled, speaker Agbebaku said they have been promised by the different contractors that legislators quarters will be ready for occupation by November.

“Let me speak on the accommodation of the house. When we came in, even before we came in, the contracts have been awarded to contractors to see how they can renovate and put a very conducive atmosphere for the members to ‘harbour’ (sic).

“I think upon my investigation, the first tranche of mobilisation was given to the contractors to commence the job. I think after one month in office, we came here for investigation, work was going on then and till now, work is still going on.

“The contractors are on site, they are working. Just last week here, the second tranche of mobilisation was given to the contractors and work is going on.

“Most of the news body came here this morning for spot assessement and they found out the work is going on. We have almost 30 blocks in this estate. The job are being given to four contractors (sic).

“The governor has mobilized for the second tranche of the job.” Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, speaker of Edo House of Assembly stated.

However, some members independently expressed disappointment with the ongoing ‘renovation’ work which they say “fall short of modern building standards.”

They are also grumbling about the corrugated iron roofing sheets that used and the obvious rough mason work.

Speaking on their official cars, the speaker said, fourteen units were in government house while others were being awaited.

“In terms of the cars, when we came into the house, the arrangement for the cars were made. The cars were not sourced here.

“The cars were sourced across the sea (sic). So you need like three weeks for the cars to come in here.”

Agbebaku added that with the foreign exchange rates, “the governor has to joggle and see how he can get dollars and how he can pay for the cars.”