*Obaseki: ‘my decision will attract ‘consequences’

*…As Edo APC rejects gov Uzodinma led C’ttee for primaries

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State attended Governor Godwin Obaseki declaration on Friday in Benin City.

Announcing his defection to the Peoples Democratic party Secretariat, Obaseki asserted that his decision to join the umbrella party may attract consequences.

The Governor who arrived the party Secretariat at 2:15.p.m was accompanied by some of his close aides and a crowd of supporters, said that he took the decision after a wild consultation with Stakeholders in Nigeria and across the Country.

He promised to provide leadership that would lead the party to victory in the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo State

Recall that the Governor, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, APC on Tuesday after a private meeting with Prof. Ibrahim Gambari in Abuja barely one Week after Prof. Jonathan Ayuba led screening Committee for the 2020 Edo State APC primary election disqualified him from seeking re-election on the platform of the party over alleged discrepancies in his academic certificates.

The Governor who was decked in a navy blue suit and a pair of glasses and a face cap, described PDP as a political party that believes in justice, fairness and respect for its members and rooted in democratic practices.

“I know and understand fully well the implications of these decision. I know that upon taken up membership of these party, I automatically becomes the leader of these party in the State. That is the Constitution. I read it thoroughly last night. And I want to assure all of you that I am prepared to provide leadership that will lead these party to victory.

“I am also prepared to provide the leadership that will not only put PDP in office in Edo State, but; As a ruling party in Edo State we will make sure that the level of growth and participation of our people will be unrivalled in these Country.

According to him, “The energy I see in there party is the kind of energy I require to take Edo State to the level we should go to next”, he said.

Mr Ikponmwosa Idahosa, the PDP Chairman, Oredo Ward 3, formally presented the PDP membership card to governor Godwin Obaseki, amidst cheers.

Edo State Chairman of PDP, Mr Tony Aziegbemin who led the State Executive Committee, SEC members to the meeting, assured of a good working relationship.

“We are on the same page on these. We look up to you for direction and what you want bus to do and we are ready to follow you”, he said.

Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Senator Clifford Odia from Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial districts who were elected former Speaker of the State house of Assembly, Mr Kabiru Adjoto, accom the Governor to PDP Secretariat while the three PDP Governorship aspirants in the State, Engr. Gideon Ikhine, Engr Ogbeide Ihama and Mr Kenneth Imansuagbon were visibly absent at the Ceremony.

Our Correspondent reports that the First East Circular road and other adjoining Streets leading to the venue were convulsed in a traffic snarl while security operatives and Edo State Traffic Management Agency, EDTMA personnel laboured hard to control the gridlock.

The locks at the main entrance of the party Secretariat was broken to pave the way for the Governor to come in with avalanche of armed security operatives.

Motorists and Pedestrians who were dazed with the crowd, manoeuvred through other exit routes during the Ceremony which lasted for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, the factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo, Anselm  Ojezua on Friday rejected the Hope Uzodinma led committee constituted by the National Working Committee of the party to conduct direct primary in Edo. 

The party conveyed its stand in a statement which was signed by Anselm Ojezua and made available to newsmen in Benin. 

Ojezua said “our attention has been drawn to reports that a primary election committee has been inaugurated by the Hilliard Eta led faction of the National Working Committee of our party to conduct party primaries in Edo.

“This purported inauguration is reported to have been done while a controversy is raging as to the proper officer to take over from Adams Oshiomhole, the suspended national Chairman. 

“We have on good authority that Victor Giadom, theacti g National Secretary has been empowered bt the FCT High court 8n Abuja to act in that capacity.

“Besides,  we have reservations with the entire process from the beginning  because the National Working Committee has not first obtained the approval of the National Executive Committee of our party. 

“In the light of the above, we have no option than to reject the Uzodinma led Committee,” he said. 

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