- Forge common front ahead of Edo guber
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Leaders in Edo South Senatorial District cutting across political parties, business, intellectuals and traditional institutions have voiced their dissatisfaction with political appointments made so far by the administration of Bola Tinubu, which they said did not favour the district.
The leaders at the end of their meeting which took place at the GRA residence of former governor John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City, said their goal is to forge a common front for the interest of the district in Edo State and Nigeria in general.
The meeting was attended by the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, former governors Chief Odigie-Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Labour Party governorship aspirant, Olumide Akpata; former Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire. The former Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prof. Gregory Akenzua among others.
Shortly after the meeting, ex-Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), told Journalists that the meeting was called to consider Edo South’s interest in the Nigerian environment, which involves political appointment among others.
“We are comparing notes, we are looking at the level of appointments, we are looking at the Edo State unfolding political equation and at the end of the day we ask ourselves what is in it for Edo South? Basically, at the end of the day, we can say that we are not happy with the appointments that has has been made so far . From the Resident Electoral Commissioner; the Population Commission and others.
“So far, we are about to give-up the governorship, the only thing we see in the horizon is probably the deputy governor and with the 60% population being here, we are looking at how to maximize the interest of Edo South on the evolving political situation.
Speaking on politics in Edo State, Oyegun said the Zone has the current governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and that they are not complaining, but that the zone cannot afford to live in the past as the governor’s tenure will end next year.
“We have the governor, who will concluded his tenure next year, but nobody lives in the past. Nobody goes to bed and says the present in good and therefore he will not care about the day that will break tomorrow. We can’t be that stupid. We are looking at the immediate future and what we are seeing is not very interesting. So we are looking at how we can make amends to be sure that we are not left behind in the scheme of things.”
Commenting on which zone gets the nod for the Edo 2024 governorship, Chief Oyegun said the state is noted for considering every block that makes-up the state.
“Edo is noted for considering every zone and that is why we are the heart beat of Nigeria. We will continue to show good example and we pray that other parts of the country will learn from it. But that does not mean that we will not be realistic and assert our positions and our expectations.
“Constitutionally the door is open for everybody to contest for the position of governor, not me nor the governor can foreclose what will happen or decide on the interest of others. The issue of zoning is the problem of political parties and not ours,” he stressed.