The Edo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Governor Monday Okpeboro and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa for not formally resigning from their positions as members of the National Assembly, saying it is a disservice to voters.
At a press conference in Benin City on Tuesday, the party’s interim chairman, Dr. Anthony Agiegbemi, accused the governor and deputy governor of neglecting their constitutional duties.
“Two weeks after their inauguration on November 12, the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo, and his deputy Dennis Idahosa did not formally resign from their respective seats in the Senate and House of Representatives and refused to elect members in the National Assembly. Pursuant to section 68(1)d of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“A senator or member of the House of Representatives shall vacate a seat in the House of Representatives to which he or she belongs if he becomes President, Vice-President, Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Minister, or member of a federal committee of the Federation. Special Adviser,” Mr. Agiegbemi said.
He also called on the two to resign so that the seats could be declared vacant and a by-election held, arguing that their dual positions denied them proper representation in the constituency.
Mr Agiegbemi criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of perpetuating illegal activities and ignoring the law.
“How can they hold the offices of governor and senator, lieutenant governor and representative at the same time?
“It is natural and constitutional for them to resign as members and declare the seat vacant to pave the way for a by-election.
“But again, the APC continues on its infamous path, thriving on illegality and malfeasance and mocking voters,” he said.
In response, Governor Okpeboro’s chief spokesperson, Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless and lacking information.
“The PDP has once again shown its ignorance. It is the responsibility of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the seat vacant if a member is promoted,” Itua explained.
He urged Edo residents to ignore the PDP’s accusations as a deliberate misrepresentation of the process.
