The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Elizabeth Ativue has stepped down from the role.

She has been replaced by the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, who was sworn in at about 11am on Monday.

Ativie took the decision after a motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Folly Ogedengbe, under matters of urgent public importance, for a change in the leadership of the House.

‎Ogedengbe explained that the change was necessary to ensure fairness in the political system, so that the three senatorial districts would be represented.

The incumbent State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, hails from Edo North senatorial district while his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu and Ativie hail from Edo South.

Okonoboh represents Igueben constituency in Edo Central senatorial district.

According to Ogedengbe, “I going to move that there is a change of leadership in the House in order that this state moves forward, that there will be fairness and equity in the system, that the three senatorial districts will be properly accommodated. I am going to move with a heavy heart.

“I move, therefore, that the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, should step down and assume office as Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and that the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, be promoted as the new Speaker.‎”

While accepting the motion, Ativie said that her short stay in office recorded tremendous achievements as the members worked as a team.

She said, “Although this is a huge a difficult sacrifice to make, I believe that it should be done for the sake of the people of Edo State. No sacrifice will be too big to pay in meeting the yearning aspirations of or people, who elected us to this House‎.

“Today, I bury my pride and my ambition for the general good of the people and the state, through which I emerged as a legislator.”

Azeez