The five-man ad hoc committee set up by the Edo State House of Assembly to investigate former Speaker Philip Agbebaku has said the probe will be transparent, fair and free from vendetta.
Speaking after the committee’s inauguration on Tuesday in Benin, the chairman, Bright Iyamu, said the investigation was a normal democratic process and was not targeted at any individual.
The lawmaker representing Orhionmwon South said, “Firstly, I want to let you know that it is nothing like a witch-hunt. What you are seeing today, I would say, is the beauty of democracy.
“In democracy, the people choose you. When they are also tired of you, they will say, ‘Okay, you can go. Let’s try somebody else,’” Iyamu stated.
The lawmaker, who said he was surprised to be named chairman, pledged to lead a thorough and open investigation with the other four members.
“For the Speaker, we are all one in the House of Assembly, but that does not mean we cannot do what we are asked to do.
“Today, I am the chairman of the committee, and I will do my best to do a thorough job. The four members will come together and strategise to make sure that we tell the world the real truth, only the truth,” he said.
On the scope of the probe, Iyamu disclosed that the committee would begin with the finances of the House, particularly the procurement of vehicles.
“Firstly, we will be looking at the finances because, most times, finance is one thing that always causes problems in every organisation or institution.
“So, that is the first thing we will be looking at. We will be looking at whether a vehicle was bought or whatever, whether it went through due process or whatever,” he explained.
He assured that the process would be open to the public and free from bias.
“The Speaker is not my enemy; he is my friend. But when I am given a job to do, I do it diligently. We will make sure when we are doing the investigation, we will not be in hiding.
“We will make everybody understand that this is an open policy. We are not trying to pay him back or whatever,” he said.
Agbebaku resigned as Speaker early Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment, which may have prompted Agbebaku’s resignation.
His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said details would be made public later.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation, but details will be made public later.”
The Assembly, on Monday, elected the lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, Yekini Idiaye, as new Speaker.