Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly has said his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is to retain the benefits of the speakership position, for the development of his constituency.

Agbebaku, representing Owan West constituency, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made this known during the plenary on Wednesday where he disclosed that his defection was not driven by personal gains but by a commitment to the welfare of those who elected him.

The Edo Speaker further noted that politics is all about the interest of the people who gave him the mandate to represent them at the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker added that there was also a need to have opposition in the House, while reaffirming his commitment to unity within the Assembly.

He said, “I want to formally let this House know that yesterday, the Speaker of this House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC.

“My decision was not about party allegiance but rather about the growth, development and progress of my area.

“As a Speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people. My constituents were in support of my decision.

“I spoke about some of the projects the governor took to my area yesterday, and the people of Owan West are very happy.

“On that note, I took that decision, and I think to a large extent, my people are happy about it.

“We are all working with the governor to take the state to the next level so that the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy. So, the issue of party affiliations should not arise. To me, there is no party in this House.”