Following the ouster of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state chapter of the party is willing and ready to pardon and readmit erring members who sincerely return in remorse.
Obaseki said this while speaking to party faithful and leaders in Edo South Senatorial District of the state.
The governor said the party will commence registration of new members from Monday 8, March 2020, to strengthen the party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
He, however, assured the people of Edo State that his administration will not relent on efforts at improving education, infrastructure, healthcare and other sectors of the state’s economy.
Governor Obaseki said, “This gathering is to send you back to your units, wards, Local Government Areas, and State levels to strengthen the party. Our goal is to get not less than 500,000 card-carrying members of the party before June 2020. It will be a shame for any unit leader who can’t boast of 100 members in each unit.”
“The APC is one; my quarrel with Oshiomhole is that he listened to people and created division in the party. I called him to dissociate himself from the group and speak up but he refused till today. I am not a happy person with the judgement from Abuja; it should not have gotten to this point.
For our brothers who have been misled, if they retrace their steps, the party is big enough to accommodate us all.”
Obaseki further called on all APC members in the state to continue to embrace peace, adding that he will as governor do everything possible in ensuring that the state is peaceful for development.
“From Monday, the various registration teams will visit your wards and units. Our goal is to bring a new generation of leaders into our party, the APC. We need more people on our side to enable us to move forward”, he noted.
On his part, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed gratitude to the entire Edo people for their support and loyalty to the Governor Obaseki-led administration.
He noted that the court ruling from Abuja is good news and a sign of victory for APC in the state.
Edo APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, disclosed that the party has set aside one month for the registration exercise, urging members to cooperate with the registration team during the course of the program.
Ojezua said, “In planning for this exercise, we have the election in mind, as the process of election should start with us. The idea is to dominate all polling units to ensure victory. Training for the exercise will start on Friday and the Government wants our people to be involved in the process as leaders have been instructed to supply names of three youths from every ward to work with the consultant”.
Speaking on behalf of Ovia Federal Constituency, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, said Obaseki is the man of the moment and will be returned to the Government House because he is a man of ideas.
He noted that the governor doesn’t share money but rather shares ideas, which has led to the developmental strides recorded across the state.
Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, who spoke on behalf of the people of Ikpoba-Okha/Egor Federal Constituency, assured the governor of his unalloyed loyalty, urging the people to fully support Governor Obaseki on his second term ambition to enable him consolidate on his efforts at making life better for Edo people.
Austin Eweka, who spoke for Oredo Federal Constituency, urged the governor never to be afraid but remain focused on his developmental programmes for Edo people.
