The Edo State House of Assembly has commenced an investigation into the tenure of former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, with a five-member ad hoc committee promising a transparent, impartial and thorough process.
The committee, inaugurated on Tuesday in Benin City, is chaired by Bright Iyamu, the lawmaker representing Orhionmwon South Constituency.
Speaking after the inauguration, Iyamu said the investigation should be viewed as part of the democratic process rather than a political witch-hunt, stressing that the committee would approach its assignment without prejudice or vendetta.
He said the committee would work collectively to establish the facts surrounding the issues under investigation and present its findings to the House.
Iyamu, who disclosed that he was surprised by his appointment as chairman, said his priority would be to ensure that the panel conducts a comprehensive examination of the matters referred to it.
The lawmaker maintained that despite the political and institutional sensitivities surrounding the investigation, his membership of the Assembly required him to carry out the assignment in accordance with the mandate given to the committee.
Committee to Examine House Finances
The committee is expected to begin its work with an examination of the Assembly’s finances, with particular attention to the procurement of vehicles.
Iyamu identified financial management as one of the key areas requiring scrutiny, given its significance to accountability and effective administration in public institutions.
The decision to examine the Assembly’s finances places procurement and expenditure at the centre of the inquiry and could potentially bring greater scrutiny to how public resources were managed during the period under review.
The investigation comes amid continuing political and institutional developments within the Edo Assembly. Agbebaku previously served as Speaker of the House, while Iyamu has himself been involved in earlier political tensions within the legislature.
In 2024, Iyamu was among three lawmakers suspended by the Assembly leadership amid an internal dispute over the House’s leadership.
The present committee, however, has pledged to set aside past disagreements and focus strictly on the issues contained in its mandate.
Probe Expected to Test Assembly’s Accountability
The investigation is likely to attract considerable public attention as the committee examines financial records and procurement decisions associated with the Assembly.
With public procurement and legislative spending increasingly under scrutiny across Nigeria, the Edo inquiry could become an important test of the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public funds.
Recent court proceedings at the federal level have similarly underscored the growing judicial emphasis on due process, transparency and value for money in public procurement and expenditure.
The Edo committee is expected to review relevant financial documents and procurement records before presenting its findings to the House.
For now, the committee has assured the public that its investigation will be conducted objectively, with the ultimate aim of establishing the facts and enabling the Assembly to take whatever action may be considered appropriate based on its findings
