Why Sapele party leaders are opposed to current Delta PDP Chairman, by lawmaker
A member of the Delta State House of Assembly, representing Sapele State Constituency, Chief Felix Anirah has given reasons why leaders in his constituency reject the Delta State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso, saying that the decision was aimed at getting fair share of political privileges.
Anirah who gave the explanation on Thursday while addressing a meeting of Sapele political leaders, noted that, “A position zoned to a local government is meant for those carrying INEC voter’s card and the party’s membership card from the constituency or local government area.
“The incumbent State Chairman, Chief Kingsley Esiso enjoyed full privileges and political benefits before he relocated to Ethiope East Local Government. In 2015, he moved his INEC voter’s card from Sapele State Constituency elsewhere. He cannot struggle with the constituents in Sapele Local Government,” he said.
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Anirah maintained that there was no tribal undertone in the decision of Sapele PDP leaders, adding, “Nobody ever contemplated a tribal factor into the position of the State Chairman zoned to Sapele Local Government in Chief James Onanefe Ibori’s residence on Thursday, March 19, 2020 by the leaders of Delta Central Senatorial District on the instructions of Delta State PDP caucus where the governor and deputy governor of Delta State and other leaders of the party were present.”
The lawmaker stressed on the fairness question, saying that the PDP leaders in Sapele rejected the candidacy of the incumbent chairman.
He noted that the exercise of selecting a nominee for the position of State PDP Chairman by the leaders of the party in Sapele was undermined by the incumbent chairman.
“The decision taken on March 19, 2020 as stated in agreement with all leaders of PDP in Delta Central with clear instructions that the positions zoned to the various local governments should be filled and returned on Monday, March 23, 2020 to Senator Ighoyota Amori’s residence for onward transmission to the appropriate quarters. The incumbent assumed it is his birthright, he refused to consult the leaders of Sapele Local Government “
The Sapele representative scolded the state PDP Chairman for violating the Party’s Constitution, while also lashing out at him for engaging in mudslinging by calling leaders of Sapele Local Government all sorts of names.
He pointed out that the office of the State Organizing Secretary and State Assistant Secretary were zoned to Ethiope East Local Government.
“Sapele is gazetted for the office of the State Chairman of the party in Delta State.”
Anirah pleaded with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Prof Sam Oyovbaire and leaders of Delta Central to ensure that only those with INEC voter’s card and party card in Sapele Local Government should be considered for the post of State PDP Chairman.
“Hon Michael Diden started his political career in Sapele and until he moved to Warri North Local Government, he enjoyed all the political privileges accrued party members. He lives in Sapele. He has never taken what is shared to Sapele because he does not vote in Sapele. Prince Joseph Atseyinku is a Local government and Ward 8 leader. Engineer Tony Aniretan is the PDP LGA Youth Leader. They have INEC voter’s card and party card in Sapele Local Government Area. They are accorded full status and benefits like other party members in Sapele.”
Meanwhile, there are efforts to replace Esiso with former Sapele Local Government chairman, Mr Godwin Atose. A meeting was held Tuesday night in Sapele to drum support for the PDP chieftain.
