Forgive me, Edo speaker begs constituents

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has appealed for forgiveness from leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Owan West Local Government Area of the state over past grievances within the party.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the apology was part of conditions reportedly given to the speaker by leaders of the party in the area before he could align with the APC leadership structure in the locality headed by Chief Lucky Ohimai, popularly known as Tarex.

Agbebaku made the appeal during an enlarged APC meeting held at Ohimai’s residence on Friday.

The speaker said he was seeking reconciliation and harmony with members of the party in the local government.

He attributed previous misunderstandings within the APC to the actions of what he described as “overzealous supporters” and pledged to work with all stakeholders for the progress of the party in the area.

“I have never, and will not dispute his party leadership in Owan West. I am here to say whoever I wronged in the past, whether knowingly or unknowingly, I deeply apologise. I remain committed to working for the progress of our party, the APC, and the people,” he said.

Agbebaku also disclosed his intention to seek re-election, urging party members to unite and use the opportunity for collective benefit.

“I want my brother, Tarex, to also know that I am in the race for re-election. I appeal to you all that we need to use this opportunity judiciously for the benefit of everybody,” he added.