The Forum of 2019 Former National and State Assemblies Aspirants has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to redeem the promise he made to the group during the reconciliation exercise he embarked upon as a result of the fall-out of the party primaries conducted in 2018.
They also urged the governor not to be distracted by the antics and divisive activities of the Edo People Movement (EPM) who are hell-bent in bringing down his government.
In its communique jointly signed by co-conveners, Dr Abraham Isibor and Engr Emmanuel Obibhunun, issued at the end of a meeting on January 2, 2020, the group commended Obaseki for the manner he has piloted the affairs of the state.
The Forum vehemently condemned the political crisis rocking the state which it said was being orchestrated by the greediness of the Abuja politicians who seek to take control of political powers in Edo state and play the role of godfatherism.
According to the the Forum the governor had praised the loyalty of the group to the party inspite of their grievances and promised to absorb the former aspirants into his government by way of political appointment and other suitable empowerment positions.
The Forum reminded the governor that nothing has been done till date as regards the promise made to us by the governor.
The communique read: “The Forum commended His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki in the way and manner he has been piloting the affairs of the State viz a viz his developmental strides and provision of good governance in Edo State.
“The Forum vehemently condemned the political crisis rocking Edo State which is orchestrated by the greediness of the Abuja Politicians who seek to take control of political powers in Edo State and play the role of Godfatherism.
“The Forum condemned in totality the attempt by the Edo People Movement (EPM) championed by Comerade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole to factionalise the APC in Edo State.
“The Forum advised His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki not to be distracted by the antics and divisive activities of the Edo People Movement (EPM) who are hell-bent in bringing down his Government and and destabilize Edo State.
“The Forum expressed unequivocal and unreserved support for the second term bid of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Comerade Philip Shuaibu and call on all well-meaning and good People of Edo State to support and work for the second term project of the duo for sustainable development of the State.
“The Forum commended the State Chairman of the Party, Barr Anslem Ojezua for his steadfastness, focus and commitment to ensure that APC in Edo State remains one family and solidly united behind the State Governor who is the Leader of the Party in the State.
“The Forum commended His Excellency, Comerade Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo; The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Osarodion Ogie and The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Comerade Taiwo Akerele for their unalloyed loyalty, commitment and unflinching support for Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Administration.
“The Forum commended the Speaker of the Edo State House Of Assembly, Rt Hon Frank Okiye in the way and manner he has been piloting the affairs of the State House Of Assembly.
“The Forum recalled the meeting held with His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki on the 28th of August 2019 in Government House, Benin City in furtherance to the reconciliation exercise embarked upon by the State Government as a result of the fall-out of the party primaries conducted in 2018.
“The Forum recalled that Governor Godwin Obaseki did praise our loyalty to the Party inspite of our grievances and promised to absorb the former aspirants into his government by way of political appointment and other suitable empowerment positions.
“The Forum that nothing has been done till date as regards the promise made to us by His Excellency.
“The Forum pleads with His Excellency to fulfill his promise to us as we observed that he is a man of proven integrity and one that stand by his words at all times,” the communique said.
