The new Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, was on Monday sworn into office by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Lawson Ugiagbe.
The event, which took place at the assembly’s chamber, followed the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mr Victor Edoror, by 16 members of the House.
Edoror was accused by the lawmakers of high-handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness.
The new speaker, after assuming duty, also administered the oath of office on her Deputy, Mr Justin Okonobor.
Ativie who promised to run an open door policy, described her election as historical and a clarion call to restore the glory of the assembly.
“Today, history has been made in the Edo House of Assembly.
I have been chosen as the first female Speaker of the House, a position which the entire women of Edo and the world at large are so pleased.
“I am overwhelmed by the implicit confidence that my distinguished colleagues have reposed in me to lead the House at a time like this, so that we can collectively bring back the lost glory.
“I will run a transparent, honest and open door policy to all throughout my tenure.’’
She promised that the House would continue to collaborate with the executive in order to transform the state.
Meanwhile, the House has lifted the suspension placed on its impeached Speaker, Victor Edoror (APC-Esan Central).
Mrs Ativie announced this on Monday at plenary.
Sixteen of the 24 members of the Assembly on May 3 impeached Edoror at plenary for alleged high-handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness.
Edoror was subsequently suspended for three months for allegedly “ invading the hallowed chambers with thugs’’ after his impeachment.
But speaking at plenary on Monday, Ativie said: “In the spirit of reconciliation, we hereby lift the suspension placed on the former speaker, Victor Edoror.
“ He is by the announcement welcome back to the house,’’ she said.
Also at plenary, the house elected members of the Principal Officers Council (POC).
They are Mr Ogedengbe (APC-Owan East), Majority Leader; Kabiru Adjoto (APC-Akoko- Edo 1), Chief Whip; Henry Okhuorobo (APC-Ikpoba Okha), Deputy House Leader; and Patrick Iluobe (PDP-Esan North East 1), Minority Leader.
