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Edo Assembly Sacks All Political Appointees Linked To Lawmakers

Published

1 month ago

Feb 19, 2025.

Praise Ben

Edo Assembly sacks all political appointees linked to lawmakers.
Affected aides will receive February salaries.
House passes bill imposing death penalty for kidnapping, property confiscation.

The Edo State House of Assembly has terminated the appointments of all political aides attached to its members.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, made the announcement during a plenary session in Benin on Wednesday, February 19. He stated that all 24 members of the Assembly unanimously agreed to the decision, adding that the affected appointees would receive their February salaries.

Among those dismissed were senior special advisers, special advisers, and other political aides appointed by lawmakers when the Eighth Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023.

“I believe it has been nearly two years now, and the House has graciously agreed that these appointees, including special advisers and senior special advisers, should be relieved of their duties as of today, February 19,” Agbebaku stated.

He further disclosed that the Assembly would reconvene to discuss the next steps regarding the vacancies.

Meanwhile, the House also passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013, introducing stricter penalties for kidnapping-related offenses.

During its second reading, the bill proposed the confiscation and demolition of properties used for kidnapping activities. It also stipulated the death penalty for convicted kidnappers.

The bill was approved after a review by the Committee of the Whole. Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, emphasized the urgency of the legislation, describing kidnapping as a menace that has led to numerous deaths and caused immense suffering for families and communities.

Edo Assembly Political Appointees

Other lawmakers, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, also voiced their support for the bill, urging swift implementation to curb the growing threat of abductions in the state.