Edo 2016: Stay off party primaries, group cautions Oshiomhole

AGENE GODWIN, Benin

Amidst criticism that has trailed the alleged adoption of the Edo state Chairman of Economic Team by Governor Adams Oshiomhole ahead of the governorship polls, a group has cautioned against acts capable of derailing the electoral process.

This is just as an appeal has been made to the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow for a free, fair and credible conduct of party primaries.

This position was contained in a press statement made available, by Ikpoba Okha Grassroot Mobilization Network (IGMN), to newsmen in Benin City.

Coordinator of the group, Osakpamwan Osa-Uto said, it has become imperative to speak on the issues which he added must be nipped in the bud in order to avoid crisis within the party.

The statement read in part: “We strongly condemn this attitude of the Comrade Governor and we are using this medium to advice him to desist from such behaviour. We can still recall when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was coming to power, his slogan was ‘No godfatherism and let the people lead’ but the reverse is the case as the Comrade governor has put himself as the godfather of APC politics in Edo state.

“We are also aware that the governor is relieving many political office holders that are not supporting his endorsement of Godwin Obaseki and his selfish desire of their positions. We advice the governor to allow a level playing field for a free and fair primaries and allow the Edo people choose the right person to govern them not imposition.

“We also use this medium to commend the National chairman of APC, Chief Odigie Oyegun for conducting a free and fair primary election in Kogi and Bayelsa states and he should also create an enabling environment for the Edo state primary election.

“National chairman sir,there is an adage in Benin that says “A masquerade must dance in his house before going outside to dance,” the statement stressed.