The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, has revealed that he joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, to retain the benefits of his office as the Speaker.

Recall that Speaker Agbebaku, alongside two other House members, Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje, on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

While officially informing House members of his defection on Wednesday, Agbebaku said he joined the APC to retain the benefits of the office of Speaker for the development of his constituency.

He said, “I defected to the APC to retain the benefit of the speaker seat for the development of my constituency.

“For me, it is not about the party but about the development of our area. As a speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people.

“Distinguished members, I want to formally let this House know that yesterday, the Speaker of this House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC,” he said.

Agbebaku explained that his constituents were in support of his decision, noting “there is ongoing developmental projects in Owan West constituency initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.”

“So, my defection was not driven by personal gains but commitment to the welfare of those who elected him. Politics is all about interest, but not my interest, the interest of my people that gave me the mandate to be here today,” he added.