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As CSOs March for Obaseki.

As the three aspirants jostling for the governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State step up their game to woo party men and women ahead of the June 22, 2020 primary election of the party, one of the leading aspirants, Osagie Ize-Iyamu has been endorsed by Edo All Progressive Congress (APC) Caucus in the House of Representatives. They also threw their weight behind the direct mode of primary election adopted by the National Working Committee, NWC of the party.

In a joint statement by the six APC members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, the federal law-makers they said a resolution to this effect was taken after an extensive consultation across the state.

The statement was signed by Julius Ihonvbere, professor of political science (Owan Federal Constituency), Johnson Oghuma (Etsako Federal Constituency), Dennis Idahosa (Ovia Federal Constituency), Peter Akpatason (Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency) and Patrick Aisowirien (Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency).

The statement reads: “Furthermore, as members of the party, we hereby restate our full support for the method the party has chosen as their preferred method for the forthcoming primaries in Edo. In reaching this conclusion, we considered safety, security and logistics reasons as well as political inclusiveness and compliance to Covid-19 regulations. They commended the party men and women for their resilience and support.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society groups in the state under the aegis of Edo Civil Society Coalition for Peace and Development on Saturday led a ‘Peace Walk’ to promote peace and campaign for an end to godfatherism in the state. The groups further expressed worry over the rising political tension in the state, and expressed displeasure at the action of the APC Governorship Screening Committee which disqualified the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Batholomew Okoudo frowned at the political crisis and fisticuffs among the ruling party’s stakeholders. Okoudo called for peace and unity in the state. Condemning the party’s decision for a direct primary, he called for an end to godfatherism in the state, stressing that the lives of Edo people were more important that the selfish ambition of any politician. Okoudo said “Those in positions of authority must ensure that the interests of the people are considered. Those in charge of the primary should be peaceful rather than hijacking the situation and process, putting the lives of all Edo people in danger”.