Edo: PDP Accuses Okpebholo, Idahosa Of Denying Constituents Representation

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, for failing to officially resign from their National Assembly positions, describing it as a disservice to their constituents.

Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the party’s caretaker committee chairman, accused the governor and his deputy of neglecting their constitutional duties.

“Two weeks after their inauguration on November 12, the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, failed to officially resign from their respective seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives, denying their constituencies of representation at the National Assembly in line with section 68(1)d of the 1999 Constitution as amended,

“A member of the Senate or the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if he becomes President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor or a Minister of the Government of the Federation or a Commissioner of the Government of a State or a Special Adviser,” Aziegbemi stated.

He further argued that holding dual positions denies their constituencies proper representation, urging the duo to step down so their seats could be declared vacant and by-elections conducted.

Aziegbemi criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of perpetuating illegality and disregarding the law.

“How can they simultaneously hold the positions of Governor and Senator, as well as Deputy Governor and member of the House of Representatives?

“It is only right and constitutional that they should resign their membership, allowing their seats to be declared vacant and paving the way for a by-election.

“But again, APC thrives on illegality and lawlessness, and has continued to thread on the infamous path, while making a mockery of their constituents,” he said.

In response, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless and uninformed.

“The PDP is once again displaying its ignorance. When National Assembly members are elevated, it is the responsibility of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare their seats vacant,” Itua explained.

He urged Edo residents to ignore the PDP’s accusations, labeling them as a deliberate misrepresentation of the process.