Group decries marginalisation in Edo APC
…Urges Buhari to forestall mass defection
A cry of marginalisation by former members of the Edo State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), accusing former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole of shutting them out as regards important appointments and elective positions at state and local government level, has been made public.
According to the group, unless proactive steps are taken by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to put a stop to what they described as intimidation, harassment and oppression of their members, a wave of looming mass defection may hit the party very soon in Edo State.
This assertion is contained in a press release made available to reporters in Benin City and signed by the Spokesman of the group, Chief Friday Idehai, which read in part, “as former members of the defunct CPC, we write to bring to the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, the founder of CPC, and Chief John Oyegun, to appeal to the former governor of Edo State to recognise the rights of former CPC members as bonafide members of APC in Edo State.”
The statement continues: “The whole world knew that APC was formed mainly by five political parties; CPC, ACN, ANPP, PDP and APGA.
These parties are enjoying the benefits of this merger at the center. Oshiomhole has failed to replicate same in Edo State.”
Speaking on the alleged deliberate marginalisation of the former CPC members, Idehai said, “In Owan East Local Government, despite the fact that we contested election in 2013, before the merger, no political appointment has been given to us under APC government in Edo State.
Our contribution to the success of the party in every election was never rewarded by Adams Oshiomhole. It is such a dire situation. A situation that could best be described as intimidation, harassment and oppression.”
He said further, that, though local government elections have not been conducted in Edo State; the former ACN members in APC have taken over all the positions at all the Local Government Secretariats in the state, without leaving any for the former CPC members.
Idehai described the experience of CPC members in Edo State as a complete case of injustice and marginalisation.
He, however, said that for fairness, equity and justice to reign and for frayed nerves to be calmed, the position of Vice Chairman for all the local governments should go to members of the defunct CPC in the state. He also wants at least one Councilorship position for CPC members in each LGA of the state.
He called on President Buhari, the National Chairman of the party and members of the National Assembly to ensure that CPC members in Owan East Local Government and other parts of the state, are protected and that what is due to them is given to them, in order to have a sense of belonging as APC members.
Benjamin Omoike
