Leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has given a condition that must be met before they will back Godwin Obaseki, Edo State governor, to secure another term in office.
The political crisis bedeviling the state started at the inaugural sitting of the present State House of Assembly. The governor had issued proclamation for the formation of the legislative arm and some members, said to be loyal to Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the ruling party, were absent at the time.
Unconfirmed reports said the formation of the house was done at odd hours, this has not been verified by TODAY POLITICS. Those at the helms of affairs are said to be loyal to the governor who is at loggerheads with Oshiomhole, his predecessor.
The members who were absent, backed by the former governor, are demanding a fresh proclamation which the governor has refused to re-issue even after the National Assembly urged him to do so.
Ward leaders of the party numbering 11 from Owan West Local Government Area has reportedly told the governor to bury the thought of a second term in office if he refuses to issue another proclamation for the fresh composition of the State House of Assembly.
“Until the governor issues a fresh proclamation, no second term deal,” Punch Newspaper quoted one Raymond Osumah, coordinating ward 3, as speaking on behalf of his colleagues.
“It is even a shame for the governor to have instructed the council chairman to stop the N15,000 stipends being given to ward chairmen because we are not supporting his second term bid. And Frank Ilaboya, our council chairman, is owning the eleven ward chairmen three months which amounted to N495,000. They can eat the money but we stand with Oshiomhole,” Osumah added.
The leaders denied endorsing the governor for another term in office and accused him of attempting to whittle down the political influence of Oshiomhole in the state.
“We want to make it clear that, nothing like that happened. Frank Ilaboya, the council chairman who said it, is being mischievous.
“What we are demanding from Mr Governor is to obey the directives of the National Working Committee of the APC and the National Assembly,” the spokesman said.
