By Ayodele Oni
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the new Speaker of the state House of Assembly to encourage team work among members in the interest of peace.
He also urged the new leadership of the assembly to usher in a new era of unity, accountability, and transparency, charging lawmakers to put political and personal differences aside and concentrate on the development and welfare of Edo residents.
The Governor made the call on Monday when he received the newly elected Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Oisayemoje Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, alongside members of the new legislative leadership.
Okpebholo pointed out that leadership positions were temporary and should therefore be exercised with humility, maturity and a strong sense of responsibility.
“We must put arrogance aside to serve our people better because today we are here and tomorrow we don’t know where we will be.”
He urged the new leadership to promote transparency, inclusiveness and constructive dialogue within the Assembly, stressing that disagreements among lawmakers should be resolved internally rather than being projected on social media.
“It’s a new leadership. I don’t know what happened. Whatever must have happened in the House is for the House, and it remains there. I was also a parliamentarian, and I know that we respect one another.”
The Governor particularly charged Speaker Idaiye to recognise that his new position comes with significant responsibility, insisting that effective leadership must accommodate the views and interests of all members.
“It is not just to be a leader, but a responsible leader. You are not just assuming a new office, to be just an ordinary speaker. You should know that you are now carrying the shoulders of many people and you have to be transparent with your colleagues. You have to carry everybody along.”
He warned that failure to operate an inclusive leadership structure could create unnecessary divisions within the legislature, reiterating that broad participation was essential to maintaining stability.
“The only way you can have an effective leadership is for you to carry everybody along,” he added.
Okpebholo also encouraged the new Speaker to justify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues, urging him to maintain the qualities for which he was positively described during the process that produced the new leadership.
“Everyone is saying good things about you. I want you to remain the way they have described you,” the Governor said.
He further described teamwork as a critical foundation for effective legislative administration, urging lawmakers to communicate openly and resolve disagreements through dialogue.
“Teamwork is the bedrock of effective leadership. And for you to make progress, you need to believe in yourselves. When you have anything in mind, always voice it out either in private with the Speaker or in the open. Dialogue is always the key.”
The Governor expressed his desire to see a peaceful and stable House of Assembly, recalling that the legislature had operated without a major crisis for almost two years.
“I want us to have a peaceful House. For about two years, there have never been crises in the House. And I pray that in another two years, there will be no crises in the House.”
As preparations for the forthcoming elections intensify, Okpebholo urged lawmakers to strengthen their relationship with their constituents and work diligently towards electoral success.
“I pray that you people will take charge of your constituencies. Elections are coming. We have to work hard to see that we record success.”
He also encouraged lawmakers who may not return to the Assembly after the elections not to lose hope, assuring them that political transitions could open the door to new opportunities.
“Those of you that are not coming back, don’t worry. We will work together. Sometimes, every disappointment is another appointment that can lead you to somewhere higher or greater.”
Earlier, Speaker Idaiye explained that the new leadership visited the Governor to formally introduce itself and reassure him of the Assembly’s readiness to work with his administration.
“Your Excellency, we are here this afternoon to formally introduce the new leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly to you and to inform you that with this new leadership, we are ready to stabilise the House.”
The Speaker pledged the Assembly’s cooperation with the executive, noting that sustained collaboration between both arms of government would be critical to advancing the interests of Edo State.
“And to ensure that we give you the maximum support because we are all proud of you. You are doing well. The only way you can continue to do well is to have the support of the House. We are there for you. Whatever you want us to do to move Edo forward, we are ready for it.”
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