By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State, Godwin Erhahon has responded to the reconciliation move by the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki with his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.
He said the visit by the Governor to the Country home of the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole on Monday at Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State, has neither ridicule or devalued loyalists of the partly.
Erhahon stated that the acrimony created by the “nocturnal inauguration of the State House of Assembly on June 17, 2019 by nine members” out of 24 APC members-elect who were present at the plenary, is yet to abate due to arrogance on the part of a highly placed politician in the State.
Erhahon, former State Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and former Publicity Secretary of APC in the State, said this during an interactive session with journalists yesterday in Benin City.
“I do not think that their reconciliation got something to do with their supporters. I am not even sure that their supporters were against Obaseki.
“But, I do not think that the reconciliation explains the issues concerning the State House of Assembly because of the controversy surrounding the nocturnal inauguration of the House of Assembly.
“It is not a matter between Oshiomhole and Obaseki, but, the rule of law…Nobody ever wish that they quarrel because we were not privy to how they became friends before their relationship became strained so to speak”, he said.
He described the practice of “political exclusivity” and arrogance which undermine fair play in a Democratic government by some unprogressive elements in the party as obstacles towards the attainment of lasting peace.
“This politics of exclusivity has caused a lot of contention and controversies in Nigerian politics. This should be a thing of the past.
“It is possible for APC to unite. If in 2008, Oshiomhole as a governor who was returned elected on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN by the court, was able to lobby, convince and persuade Peoples Democratic Party, PDP members of the State House of Assembly including the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, Mr Frank Okiye, to his side, why should there be rancour now that we have 24 APC members in all the 24 positions? It shows something is wrong somewhere”, he said.
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