By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
All Progressive Congress (APC) members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have presented the new Speaker to the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and other members of the All Progressive Party (APC) across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Presenting the new Speaker amidst cheers in the presence of other 17 members, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Akeem Jamiu, described the crisis that broke out in the House in the last few days as an embarrassment not only to the members of the APC but the people of Ekiti State.
He said the House has corrected what he called the anomaly and gave an assurance that the House, under the new leadership would continue to maintain peace and as well align with its constitutional duties.
Responding, the new Speaker, Hon Olubunmi Adelugba, appreciated all members of the House and other APC executive members over her emergence as the new Speaker.
She described the process that led to her emergence as a peaceful one, promising to always maintain allegiance to the people of the state.
Similarly, the APC Chairman, Ekiti State, Barr Paul Omotosho, distanced the party from the crisis that had paralysed activities in the House in the last few days.
According to him: “The party does not have interest in whom becomes the leader of the House, all that the party want is peace and how the state will move forward.”
In his remark, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, thanked all leaders of the APC for their quick response in resolving the issue promptly.
The governor described the crisis as a family affair and one of the beauties of democracy, he denied what he called insinuations from some quarters about his involvement in the crisis.
He appreciated the lawmakers and said: “You have demonstrated the confidence your various constituencies reposed on you, by doing the right thing at the appreciated time.”
Oyebanji assured the new speaker of his support, but however, reminded her of the speedy passage of the 2022 budget.
The event, held at the governor’s office, was attended by the APC state executive members and local government chairmen, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abibat Adubiaro as well as the special advisers to the governor, including Chief Jide Awe among others.
