As earlier reported today, the Edo Peoples Movement, EPM concluded their strategy meeting in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area with a call on Governor Godwin Obaseki to “immediately allow peace to reign in the state by ensuring that all 24 members elected to the Edo State House of Assembly are properly sworn in, in accordance with the resolutions of the National Assembly.”
The meeting, third in series, was attended by some aggrieved leaders and members of the All Progressive Congress from different local government areas in Edo State.
Thier deliberation centred majorly on the political developments in Edo State particularly as it affects the Edo State House of Assembly.
An eight point communique was issued to drive home their demands, chiefly amongst was the call for proper inauguration of the state Assembly.
Below are the highlights of EPM declaration:
“”That we note with dissatisfaction the State of affairs of the Edo State House of Assembly wherein a minority have continued to operate as a house of Assembly in clear violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“That members of EPM across the State urge the Governor to immediately allow peace to reign in the State by ensuring that all 24 members elected to the Edo State House of Assembly are properly sworn in in accordance with the resolutions of the National Assembly.”
The EPM praised the courage of Hon Frank Okiye in withdrawing one of the numerous cases he filed in the Abuja division of the Federal High Court “in clear abuse of court processes” and urged “him and his sponsors to refrain from using the judiciary to perpetuate illegality in the Edo State House of Assembly.”
They also stated that:
“That members of EPM Edo State, wishes to commend the leadership of the National Assembly and the Committees set up by the two houses to investigate the circumstances under which the Edo State House of Assembly was purportedly inaugurated on the 17th June, 2019 particularly for resisting the insidious influence against recommending that the even fell short of acceptable standard and should therefore be properly done.
“That we are committed to an amicable resolution of the ongoing crisis rocking the APC, provided that Governor Obaseki and the State Chairman of the party Anselm Ojezua discontinued their divisive approach to party administration and relationship with government.
“That the role the State Chairman of the party has been playing in the affairs of the party particularly since the crisis started has been most worrisome, self serving and inimical to the unity of the party.” EPM declared.
It will be recall that the so called peace accord reached between Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Mr. Adams Oshiomhole was received with doubt because of the contending interest of EPM and that of 12 members elect that refused themselves to be sworn-in into the Assembly. The fresh call by EPM and their demands has put paid to the fact that all is still not well with the relationship between Oshiomhole, APC National Chairman and Gov. Obaseki and their followers.