PDP suffers setback as over 1,200 dump party for APC in Edo

What looks like a hurricane swept through Epkeri land at the weekend as over 1, 200 members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Epkeri is a densely-populated riverine area of 10 communities in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

APC and PDP

The decampees made up of women, youths and erstwhile PDP leaders, tore the umbrella, the party’s symbol into shreds because, according to them, it could no longer provide the desired shelter. They waved the broom, symbol of the APC, to the admiration of the leaders present.

The event was held at the Udaba community square, saw

Leader of the decampees, Sheik Muktar Ilenobe said he was the last oxygen of the PDP in the council, adding that now that he has been disconnected, the party has breathed its last. The Islamic educationist cum legal practitioner said he would ensure the disconnection of what he described as “smaller oxygen” sustaining the PDP across the wards.

Another leader, Chief P.F Abebe, who is also the chairman of the community, said he was coming into the APC with his followers, adding that “now that I have come, nobody is left in the PDP. If you hear PDP again in Udaba, you know it’s fake, no more PDP here. My movement today signifies PDP’s end, this is a party without national, state or local government presence, so why should I continue to be there, I have to leave to give meaningful and genuine leadership to my people”.

A female decampee, Mrs. Felicia Elestso caused emotional stir when she said she joined the APC of her own volition without anyone prompting as her conscience kept pricking her whenever she travelled on the asphalt road built by the APC government, whenever she sees the community lighted, whenever she drinks water from government’s pipes. She said she cannot see light and continue to grope in darkness.

The decampees were received by the lawmaker representing Etsako Central in the House of Assembly, Damian Lawani and the zone two leader, Alhaji Waziri Oshiomha.

According to Lawani, “there was no government presence here (Udaba) until the coming of the APC. The APC government brought light and road that opened up our community.

“We can see, touch and feel the APC in Epkeri land. So, no one will see light and road and continue to wallow in ignorance. Without begging the issue, APC is the party to belong to”.

On his part, Sir Oshiomha assured the decampees that the APC is a party of justice and none of them will be discriminated against.

PDP suffers setback as over 1,200 dump party for APC in Edo

Election Tribunal: PDP candidate Eruaga declared winner in Oshiomhole"s constituency

 

The court of Appeal election tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State this evening upheld the decision of the Edo State House of Assembly election Petition tribunal declaring the PDP candidate Chief Sylvanus Eruaga as winner of the election and ordered that he be sworn in as member representing Estako West II constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly within 48hours!

Ironically, this is the constituency of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. You will recall that the state chairman of PDP, chief Dan Orbih predicted that Gov Oshiomhole’s rejection will begin from his home and that he will be represented by a PDP member in the state house of Assembly. This judgement is a clear vindication of that statement. It also shows that no amount of dancing, unguarded and unsubstantiated allegations as well as Naira induced decamping of gullible politicians will stop the resolve of the people of Edo state to get rid of the hypocritical APC and loquacious Governor!

This judgement and court order has been described by Chief Dan Orbih as “political” Christmas present to the loyal, dedicated and committed PDP members in Edo State. He said it was a sign of the things to come. He thanked the people of Estako West II constituency for their support during and after elections. He promised them quality and honest representation from Hon Sylvanus Eruaga.

Election Tribunal: PDP candidate Eruaga declared winner in Oshiomhole"s constituency

Policeman kills two nursing mothers at Edo funeral

Two nursing mothers have been killed after they were hit by bullets fired by a policeman at a funeral in Ivhiokhile quarters, Fugar, administrative headquarters of Etsako Central local government area of Edo State.

Police Inspector General, Solomon Arase

The policeman and his colleagues were said to have accompanied a traditional ruler in Uzaire clan, HRH Imonike Omogbai, to the event, but started shooting sporadically.

A two-month-old baby strapped to the back of one of the victims narrowly escaped death as the bullet that hit the mother on the neck was few inches away from the baby.

The victims were identified as Sandra Imhaku and Mrs. Saliu.

Eyewitnesses said the policeman held a riffle with one hand and attempted to open the car door for the traditional ruler to enter as they were about leaving the funeral venue when volleys of shots were released.

One of the eyewitnesses said the policemen managed to escape lynching.

Cousin of one of the victim, Barr. Mike Imhaku, said the incidents have been reported at the Auchi police division.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi, who confirmed the incident, said a case of accidental discharge which killed the two women was reported to him on Saturday.

He said the police officer has been arrested and investigation has commenced.

Policeman kills two nursing mothers at Edo funeral