How Odubu went to native doctor to hurt me - Oshiomhole

•’Why I am not backing Odubu’s gov. bid’

‘By Simon Ebegbulem,

Benin-City Many people may not have understood why Governor Adams Oshiomhole is not backing the governorship aspiration of his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu. Apart from Odubu, the APC is parading aspirants like a former Minister of Works, Engr.Chris Ogienwonyi; a  former military tactician, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd); a  former governor of the state, Prof. Osarhiemien Osunbor; the Chairman of the Edo State Economic Team, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon; Comrade Peter Esele; Prof. Frederick Ebegue Amadasun; and the only woman in the race, Mrs Tina Agbarha. The state Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie, was initially in the race but  shelved the ambition after his boss informed him of his desire to support Obaseki

Meanwhile, the relationship between the governor and his deputy has broken down in the past seven months, creating factions in the Edo  APC ahead  of the governorship primary in the state. The crisis blew open  after Odubu’s coordinator, Barr.Humphrey Uanseoje, signed a letter with other governorship aspirants of the party such as Ogienwonyi, Imasuagbon and Barr. Omo Irabor, which they sent to the national leadership of the APC where they alleged plans by the state Chairman of the party, Anslem Ojezua, to doctor the delegates list for the gubernatorial primary with the backing of Oshiomhole. The publication shocked many  watchers of the politics of the state since it would be the first time the deputy governor will be openly accusing his boss of alleged plot to manipulate the forthcoming primary of the APC.

Odubu’s loyalists and those of the governor had been in the trenches following Oshiomhole’s apparent reluctance to back his deputy whom many perceived has been very loyal to his boss since they came into office. But worried by this development, Ogie, who is known as one of the generals in the Oshiomhole’s political family, took up the initiative to settle the rift between the governor and his deputy. Ogie, in collaboration with the member representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Philip Shuaibu, decided to make this move, given that Odubu has been part of Oshiomhole’s political machinery since 2007.

The intention was to stop the  animosity which they believed will help to keep the governor’s camp intact, ahead of the primary of the party. What Ogie did was to put  persons also close to Odubu  in the reconciliation committee so that the deputy governor will not lose confidence  in the committee. As a result, a  former Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Lucky James, and Chief Gabriel Oibo, who are key supporters of Odubu, were drafted into the committee. This committee held their first meeting on Sunday, April 10,  2016, where they agreed to meet with Odubu first to preach the gospel of peace  to  him.

When the committee met with Odubu, Ogie informed him of the need to restore peace between him and the governor, saying their visit was on a friendly note and had nothing to do with politics. Odubu was said to have expressed his grievances and informed them that he had nothing against the governor but that he was disappointed that some of his followers were being victimized due to their support for his governorship ambition. However, Odubu informed members of the committee that he was ready to hold the peace meeting with the governor whom he said he had enjoyed close relationship with until recently.

On Monday April 11, 2016, Oshiomhole came back to Benin from his village, Iyamho, where he met the peace committee waiting for him. Apart from the members of the committee, led by Ogie, the state Chairman of the APC, Anslem Ojezue; state Secretary, Chief Osaro Idah; Oshiomhole’s in-law, Victor Eboigbe and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon, were also at the meeting. Ogie, who opened the meeting, narrated how the group, including the deputy governor, had worked closely in the past ten years with Oshiomhole, saying it would be bad to allow bickering between the governor and his deputy to continue.

The Commissioner for Works offered the two leaders the opportunity to sort out their problem behind closed door while they excused them to do so. Philip, Oibo and James concurred with Ogie, stressing the need for the governor’s political family to be united in the run up to the party primary and the governorship election. Oshiomhole, Sunday Vanguard learnt, appreciated their concern but informed the meeting that he will prefer they were around so they could know the real issues and treat them. His deputy concurred and everybody stayed for the meeting.

Firing the first salvo, Odubu lamented that his office had been starved of funds, his political allies victimized, the governor refused to attend  his  wife’s birthday and, above all, the governor directed his Attorney General, Mr Henry Idahagbon, and Washington Osifo to write a petition against him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a view to impeaching him.

The deputy governor further lamented how the governor had allegedly relegated him to the background, expressing shock that the cordial relationship, which had existed between him and the governor, broke down. But responding, Oshiomhole, who recalled how he had backed his deputy in his political battles and his several advice to him as a brother, explained that the parlous state of finance of Edo had even affected his own office and other government offices, and not only that of the deputy.

He narrated how he had been travelling without his aides due to paucity of funds. Oshiomhole went further to berate his deputy for being part of those who signed a statement accusing him of backing the state Chairman of the APC, in the alleged plot to manipulate the delegates list ahead of the primary of the party, asserting that the deputy’s action was a clear indication of an attack against his person. But Odubu, who defended himself, denied being behind the statement, explaining that his coordinator put his signature with some other party members who needed it but never knew what they wanted to use it for. But the leaders of the party expressed their doubt in his defence, saying he should have debunked the publication if he was not behind it. Odubu, however, apologised to Oshiomhole, assuring that such mistake will not be repeated.

Tension in the room heightened when Oshiomhole started responding to the allegations against him by Odubu that he did not attend his wife’s birthday and that the governor had treated him recently like a leper.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the governor declared to the leaders that he had deliberately avoided attending events at his deputy’s house after it was revealed to him that his deputy allegedly contracted native doctors to hurt him so that Odubu will take over as governor. Oshiomhole said he was informed of the alleged plan by a leader of the party and that he had met with the native doctors whom his deputy allegedly contracted to do the damage, adding that the native doctors admitted and gave him details of how the rituals were executed.

Oshiomhole added that the party leader who leaked the information, who was out of the country, was ready to confront the deputy with the details of his alleged meeting with the witch doctors. He further stated that he could not have attended any ceremony at Odubu’s place, saying he would not want to be poisoned.

The governor’s disclosure was said to have come  as a surprise to the APC leaders but it equally elicited strong rebuttal from his deputy who attributed what he described as the spurious allegation to the handiwork of his political enemies. To buttress his innocence, Odubu volunteered to contact a strong traditional doctor in Benin, so that those who accused him will come and take an oath before the gods.

He vehemently denied the allegation and reiterated his loyalty to the governor. But some of the party leaders at the meeting were said to have countered Odubu with his suggestion, informing him that he should have suggested swearing with the Bible since he is a Catholic.

But Odubu thundered that he was shocked with the allegation and would like to clear his name with whatever that will convince everyone. Some of the party leaders at the meeting admonished Odubu to end his governorship ambition. However Ogie calmed the situation and the parley ended on a  good note after both parties expressed satisfaction.

As the governorship primary of the party, scheduled to hold sometime in June-July, draws closer  Oshiomhole’s foot soldiers, led by Ogie, are working round the clock to ensure a united house. Odubu is viewed as one of the most formidable aspirants in the APC and cannot be taken for granted. Sunday Vanguard was informed that the governor and his deputy exchanged banters after the meeting and a date for another peace meeting was fixed for this week.

How Odubu went to native doctor to hurt me - Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole, Odubu relationship degenerate further over governorship ticket

The cordial relationship between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, has hit the rocks. Both men are on collision course over the party’s governorship ticket in the election. While Oshiomhole has left no one in doubt that Godwin Obaseki is his preferred candidate, Odubu is insisting on gunning for the ticket.

Oshiomhole

Before now, Odubu was described as the best deputy governor in the country, because of what many termed his unalloyed loyalty to his boss. But, that is no longer the case. He has set up his campaign office within the highbrow Government Reservation Area (GRA) in the state capital and notable members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) are flocking there to pledge their loyalty. But, Oshiomhole has made it clear that he would not support Odubu’s bid. “We came together, we leave together,” he was quoted as telling his deputy.

Odubu, a lawyer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area. His supporters say he is the only experienced aspirant among those gunning for the ticket. This is attributed to his eight-year tenure as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives and his close to eight-year stint as deputy governor. They say Odubu showed his political relevance during the tussle between Samson Osagie and Patrick Obahiagbon; a contest where Obahiagbon, who is believed to be favoured by Oshiomhole, was narrowly defeated.

Apart from Odubu and Obaseki, top contenders for the APC ticket are: Blessing Agbomhere, Charles Airhiavbere, Prof. Amadasun Ebegue and Chris Ogiemwonyi.

Supporters of Odubu say the relationship between him and Oshiomhole has degenerated to a low level. Last year, the sacking of four commissioners by the governor signaled the parting of ways between them. The commissioners were reportedly sacked for holding political meetings with the deputy governor. Those affected were Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Chief Lucky James, Commissioner for Women Affairs Blessing Maigida, Commissioner for Basic Education Mr. Patrick Aguinede and Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources Chris Ebare. Oshiomhole, however, explained that the commissioners were removed for corrupt practices.

Several loyalists of Odubu have also been dropped from one political appointment or the other. For example, Osaretin Edoma, the member representing Orhionmwon in Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission (EDSOGPADEC), was kicked out for alleged corrupt practices. Osaretin told reporters he was being victimised for supporting the deputy governor and warned of dire consequences at the polls, if the governor succeeds in imposing a candidate on the party.

In January, the Vice Chairman of the APC and one of the key supporters of Odubu, Gentleman Amegor, was suspended from office. Amegor, who is also the Edo South Senatorial leader, was accused of providing a lacklustre leadership for the party.

Other accusations were that Amegor failed to implement objectives contained in the Article 13.9 of the party’s constitution; he failed to convene regular meetings of the district to discuss and resolve issues affecting the development of the party; and was also alleged to have been engaged in anti-party activities during the last presidential elections, which led to the loss of his unit and local government.

Attempts by Amegor to call a meeting of the APC in Edo South were resisted by some youths, who drove away those heading for the residence of the APC chieftain. The youths laid siege on Amegor’s residence till about 6pm.

Odubu, according to his loyalists, is now rarely invited to government functions or sent to represent the governor. For instance, he was absent at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Okpella Cement Company by the Dangote Group. He was also not present at the visit of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and Edaiken N’ Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, to the Government House and in February, when the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, visited the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Edo. It was the governor’s wife, Lara, that was sent to welcome him.

Nevertheless, a peace move has begun to settle the political differences between Oshiomhole and his deputy. Sources told our reporter that a meeting was held in Abuja to prevail on Odubu to step down and that the deputy governor reportedly told those at the meeting that he would consult with his supporters. Those close to the Odubu, however, insist that he may have resolved to contest the primaries, even after settling the rift between him and his boss.

A Senior Special Assistant to Oshiomhole on Media, Curtis Ugbo, who was arraigned last week for illegal possession of firearms and making inciting statements against the governor, said his travails began when he started showing support for Odubu’s governorship bid.

Ugbo had posted the following statements on his Facebook wall after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Okpella Cement Company: “What is wrong with my boss? no senior member of government, Speaker and National Assembly member was present at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Edo State-owned cement industry, in partnership with a private company. “Is Edo State now a personal estate of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole?” Government sources said Odubu has distanced himself from the rantings of Ugbo and other political appointees who want to hide under the fracas to get at the governor. Many supporters of Odubu had wanted an all-out war with the Governor, but Odubu opted to remain calm and work towards getting the party’s ticket.

It is not yet clear how many local government areas Odubu could win at the primaries, but some party leaders claim that he has a good relationship with delegates from Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North East and Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West and Egor.

A top government official, who expressed worry over the cold between Oshiomhole and Odubu, said the latter deserves some respect from the governor and that he is not a push over, as he appears on the surface. He said Odubu helped to stabilise Oshiomhole’s administration by being loyal and not becoming over ambitious in the last eight years.

By Osagie Otabor

Oshiomhole, Odubu relationship degenerate further over governorship ticket

Governorship 2016: Who Is Afraid Of Odubu

The events of the past few months have necessitated this question: WHO IS AFRAID OF ODUBU?

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, aptly referred to as the ‘OKAKUO’ is arguably an amiable personality, a fine gentleman, decent character and obviously likeable personae, with a good disposition and undisputable high morals.

Pius Odubu
 

 

When in the midst of his contemporaries, you may need to single him out as he easily mixes with his friends. You will be amazed at his humility, humbleness and unassuming posture despite being the Deputy Governor. Same goes with his relationship with his siblings and family members. He completely demystified the office of the Deputy Governor as he interacts equally with everybody, honouring their invitations and visiting their homes to identify with them.

His kindness and response to the needs of those around him has strengthened the bond of friendship between him, most of his followers and the political class, treating every one as his own without tribal bias or Party consideration. No wonder he is liked by both the young and the elders.

His calm disposition and response to burning issues affecting him in the government has earned him the award of the most ‘Loyal Deputy Governor’ by the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Benin Chapter, and one of the Best Deputy Governors in Nigeria by Guardian Newspaper.

For a man that posses’ robust credentials and Curriculum Vitae to be humble, and completely loyal to his boss, that in Seven (7) tears, there has not been any visible altercation between them, is commendable. Obviously, this has been one great secret to the success of the Comrade Oshiomhole led Administration for the good governance.

Rt. Honourable (Dr.) Pius Odubu is an Alumnus of the great Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the Southern University School of Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U. S. A. He is also an alumnus of the Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington D. C., and Harvard University: Kennedy School of Government, Massachusetts, U.S.A., and Oxford University: Said Business School.

He holds a B.A. Hons in Political Science, B. L. (Barrister and Solicitor at Law), and Master of Law in International and Comparative Law, and Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD). He won several awards in the Schools he attended which earned him a scholarship for the completion of his School Programme in the U.S.A. He was called to the Nigeria Bar in 1986.

RT. Hon. Odubu represented Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the National Assembly from 1999 – 2007, before his nomination as the Deputy Governor candidate to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in 2007. He excelled in all the committees he served in, and chaired that he was awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Right Honourable Speaker, Federal House of Representative, National Assembly.

In his position as the Deputy Governor, Odubu has been working assiduously complimenting the efforts of the governor, Comrade Oshiomhole in the transformation programme in Edo State. On account of his commitment towards the realization of this feat, one is tempted to say that this great Edo son is like the grease on the wheel of the Vehicle of development in Edo State and the silent co-pilot of the train under the able leadership of Comrade Oshiomhole in Edo State.

This unassuming posture naturally exhibited by Odubu has endeared him to many as a dependable personality. However, the network of events in the last few months has further revealed the character and personality of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Odubu, thereby soaring his popularity and acceptability by Edo people especially in the wake of the coming Primary election of the APC in Edo State. He is referred to as a LEADER PER EXCELLENCE.

Rt. Hon. Odubu has amongst his official duties; the supervision of the Local Government Councils, the FADAMA – Agric projects and The SEEFOR, a World Bank infrastructure developmental programme. He has at the instance of the Comrade Governor chaired the State EXCO when the Governor is away on official duties. These functions, he has carried out brilliantly. It is not surprising that this cool and lovable leader in the person of Rt. Hon. Odubu would have some salient enemies around him, envious of his unique personality and demeanor, and would stop at nothing to bring him down.

But, he enjoys the cooperation and respect of the larger lots in government, that, it is inconsequential worrying about those few who are threatened by his personality, leadership style, his robust profile and his deep understanding of the Political terrain of Edo State. He Odubu has in over the years built strong network across the three (3) Senatorial Districts in Edo State, beyond Party lines and Political Class. This is evident in the call for him to participate in the forthcoming APC primaries as many prefer a handing over to Odubu by Oshiomhole at the completion of his tenure.

As is always in political corridor, Lies and Blackmail are two common weapon used to bring down and dislodge an opponent. Odubu has been a victim of these by some of his avowed enemies who are determined to truncate his Political ambition. But ironically, he has always overcome. People ascribed this to his good heart and kind nurture and his patience and tolerance.

There have been certain disturbing actions of the Governor that could infuriate a kindergarten, but these the Deputy Governor absorbed and tolerated all the time. Sometimes not questioning decision of the Governor. This has made the working relationship between the two very cordial and allowed the Governor healthy Working Environment to deliver the expected dividends of Democracy to Edo People. Issues like the sack of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Solid Minerals, Oil and Gas from his cabinet by the Governor, the Deputy Governor’s nominee in the first tenure was handled with maturity by the Deputy Governor. Another event, the Chairmanship Ticket for the Local Government Council Election, was as controversial as the nomination of Commissioner during the second term of the Comrade Governor.

As humiliating as some of the Governor’s action was, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor, Edo State never showed any anger or confrontation, as he was more focused on the Development of Edo State, maintaining that the collective interest of Edo people is of more importance than satisfying his interest and ego.

But as we draw near to the end of the Oshiomhole administration, more deliberate offensive actions are being perpetrated by the Governor. In the early hour of on the 9th of September, Edo State received the sack of four serving Commissioners with shock. These were:

Chief Lucky James – Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Mrs. Blessin Maigida – Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Mr. Patrick Aguinede – Commissioner for Basic Education.

Mr Chris Ebare – Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources.

Their sack was however insinuated to be connected to their loyalty to the Deputy Governor who is nursing an ambition to contest the Governorship position in the forthcoming election, although the Media Aide was quick to dismiss this when asked by reporters, as mere rumours.

It is evidently clear that while Odubu enjoys the support of the majority of the Party leaders and the grass root base of the Party, the Governor has maintained a firm grip on the Organs of the government, and therefore, can hire and fire anyone. He has tacitly kept the power to appoint personnel to his chest, disenfranchising the real Party members who laboured to see the party succeed and victorious in all elections because they are close to some leaders who is not in his (the Governor’s) favour. Those closer to Odubu have been most affected by this act of the Governor. In the hope that they will have their turn, have engendered the relative peace in the party and their patience with the Governor over these years. But this is being threatened now.

The absolute Loyalty and calm disposition of the Deputy Governor to Comrade Oshiomhole has no doubt earned him so much support and followership, borne mostly out of respect and love. The majority of the voters in the forthcoming election have openly declared their support for the aspiration of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Odubu, which may translate into delegates’ votes. This is the cross of the Matter playing out right now.

But the expectation of these ones being cut short by the purported endorsement and planned imposition of one of the aspirants, Godwin Obaseki, the Chairman of the Economic committee, by the Comrade Governor, is not going down well with party members. This action of the Governor has met with several resistance and opposition by members of the party and the leaders alike. They are insisting on a level field for all aspirants, but the Governor expects a bandwagon for his preferred aspirant.

On the other hand, the Traditional Rulers and some notable Edo State Citizens have in different forum, expressed their wish and desire and has showed their preferences for Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu as a better option given that the person that wins the APC primaries, may eventually wins the Governorship election.

It is even rumoured that the Crown Prince of the Benin Kingdom has added his voice, admonishing the Governor to allow for a free and fair primary election. Also concerned about the perceived imposition of Obaseki on the Party is the Benin Forum who has maintained that Edo South reserve the right to choose who they can trust with the Administration of the state on the knowledge of their capability and Governance experience among the Benin. But the Comrade Governor has remained adamant to these pleas thereby gradually plunging the party into an avoidable chaos.

The public and the observers are disturbed by this development claiming that the choice of Obaseki by the Governor and the desperation to bulldoze his way through dealing with any perceived oppositions, leaves more to be desired. Some others are of the opinion that the fear of the unknown is the driving force behind the Governor’s action, especially given the manner he, Oshiomhole has treated the Deputy Governor during the last (7) years as one reason he may be uncomfortable to handing over to his Deputy Governor. But another opinion dismissed this view stating that the Deputy Governor’s Loyalty to the Governor is borne out of admiration and respect for Oshiomhole, and that cannot be wished away by the little hiccup happening now; that Odubu remains the best alternative and the one who can best fit into the expectation of the Comrade Governor to protect his interest, and build on the achievements of the Comrade Governor.

Just a few days ago, the Governor sacked the Commissioner representing the Oil and Gas Producing Area Commission from Orhionmwon Local Government Area and the Deputy Governor’s L. G. A., Mr. Osaretin Edoma on ground of incompetence. The public reaction to this was that this was a direct onslaught on the Deputy Governor, especially as the sacked Commissioner was not the Chairman of the Commission. The Governor did not also follow the due process in taking the action.

This follows the insinuation of the complicity of the Governor earlier in the week in the purported suspension of the Senatorial Leader and Vice Chairman, Edo South, Barr Gentleman Amegor by some Party Members led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Henry Idahagbon, who according to the Senatorial Leader, have no powers to suspend him in the first case. Amegor was supposedly suspended for his refusal to support the governor’s preferred aspirant when he refused monetary entreaties from the Governor. He was therefore labeled as Odubu supporter, and must be dealt with.

This attitude of the Governor and his avowed determination to frustrate the aspiration of Odubu, and his refusal to obey the party Rules and Regulations is assuming a dangerous dimension as the party is currently fragmented into various groups according to their preferred aspirants.

In the midst of these chaos, the Deputy Governor has maintained his cool and calm, focusing on his Duties as Deputy Governor and consulting with leaders to ensure the ensuing Self Destruct being orchestrated by some elements in the party is not allowed to escalate as the Party heads towards the general election, which is capable of reducing the party chances in the coming Governorship election. This is why the people are worried and are asking this question: WHO IS AFRAID OF ODUBU?

DAVID OSA OGBEIDE,

APC UNITED FRONT,

BENIN CITY.

Governorship 2016: Who Is Afraid Of Odubu

To have been able to work under Oshiomhole is a big achievement for Odubu - Hon. Samson Osagie

By Ehi Ekhator

In this interview with NAIJA CENTER NEWS, Hon. Samson Osagie, a former member of House Of Rep and the APC Senatorial Candidate in Edo South in the 2015 National Assembly Elections talked on APC crisis, the future of the party and showed confidence in the candidacy of the Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu

Who do you think is most suitable to represent the APC in the coming governorship election?

Samson Osagie

Well it is not the way our forefathers look at the issues of parties,  you and me will rate it. There are so many things I will consider. I will consider who wins the party tickets and who will monster a public acceptance in the general election.

At this point in the APC, it is not clear who get the ticket but there are a lot of people jostling for it. It could just be anybody’s game. The only fear those of us in the party are having is that someone who would be able to contend with the PDP should be the one that can take the ticket so that the Edo people would accept him. Everybody has his own tendency, no doubt, it is not clear and the way the whole thing is going, it is causing a lot of heat and some internal inconveniences. I can’t say this is the man that is supposed to rule, but as a matter of general principle, I believe that the more general acceptable a candidate the better for the party and such candidate must not have the trace of being strange or being imposed, those are the things that can work against the party.

Should a candidate be chosen based on their acceptance or capabilities to perform as a governor?

There are no objective standard to measure who can perform because the people that are going to choose them are people across the state. In the APC, over 3000 people would come and vote. When we voted Lucky Igbinedion in 1999, it was with high hopes isn’t it? I was part of that government. Everybody agreed that we didn’t quite get the best even though Lucky Igbinedion as an individual is a very good man while that administration did not achieve much.

The people coming to the stadium are influenced by a number of factors:

1. The amount of money they are going to get in the exercise


2. Some of them the direction to which their local leaders have pushed them


3. Out of fear of the unknown

Therefore candidates are chosen on the basis of the decision of each delegate however right or wrong.

What do you have to say about the crisis rocking APC about candidate imposition?

It is quite worrisome honestly speaking and i hope we get it right. It is the biggest problem before us now and i am just praying on a daily basis that we are able to get it right sooner than later.  Even though it is not being seen as imposition, the tactics is quite disturbing.

When you create a level playing field, you allow everybody to go do his job unhindered, but when you allow some to campaign and you stop others from carrying out their legitimate business and others, it become very suspect. The philosophy of level playing field becomes very suspect. I believe that those who are over heating the system would soon realize that it cannot augur well for the party.

How about Genetleman Amegor? There is speculation that his meeting was disrupted by some paid hoodlums

Yes, that was the information that came yesterday and it was confirmed to be true.

Is the governor responsible for that?

I can’t tell because i am not in the position to say who did what but i understand that some thugs came in there and i don’t know who sent them. I wasn’t privy to the arrangement and i cannot say the governor was responsible, or any particular person was responsible but i know for a fact that the incident happened.

With the situation in the party now, do you still believe that the party can triumph in the coming election?

This internal heat would subside after the primaries because we would not allow PDP to take this state; we have to work harmoniously together. It is always like this before party primaries. We have to act and make sure we sustain it. We have so many reasons to sustain APC. The governor has done well in terms of landmark achievements compared to other administrations before this. Secondly, the centre (federal level) is controlled by APC so i don’t think it will go to the opposition now.

I do not think giving their sixteen years record at the federal, anybody should be attractive to the PDP government though the APC needs to work out to earn the position.

With the situation, if some aggrieved members decided to pull out and move to the opposition, what is the position of the APC then?

I don’t think that is in the offering now; don’t forget there is internal heat in the PDP. WE are also expecting people from the PDP to join APC. Our own crisis may be louder but does not remove the part that there is no crisis in the PDP over nomination.

What is your take on the man Pius Odubu?

Odubu was my predecessor in the office as a member of the Reps. He has enormous political experience, he knows Edo State so well because he has been on ground for the past 20-25 years having practice law here when he returned from the USA. He contested election into councils; he contested to House of Reps and then the deputy governor. He is a very quiet gentleman and intelligent man who have been able to serve under Oshiomhole without any rancour. He is very unassuming. I have a very high regards for him because he has a political antecedent coming several years. The capability in which he has served has not really afforded him that opportunity to assume high leadership. As a member of the House of Reps at the beginning of this republic, he was a member of several political committees. Some of the committees were, particularly the appropriation were the one that appropriated for the Benin bypass.  He is not a loud and media person, people do not seem to understand him.

To have been able to work under Oshiomhole is a big achievement; it is not easy because Oshiomhole is the man that puts everyone on their toes. I have very high impression about him, many people know his antecedents, and many people know where he comes from. I know many aspirants in the APC, he is the only one residing here in Edo full time with contracts across the country. This is a man who schooled abroad for 8-9 years.

If he understands our governors so well, to be able to work with him years without crisis, is the hallmark of leadership prosperity he has displayed so far.

I have high regards for him.  That does not mean others are not also good.  in fact all the candidates contesting in APC are very qualified. If you ask me who did you know among them, Odubu is the man i know, and the man most people actually know.

What would you say he has done for the community as a man who wants to lead?

Sometimes we tend to separate a man from the government in which he served. In an attempt to do that, we lose the focus of the analysis. Odubu has been the deputy governor to Oshiomhole, I believe the success of the administration is his achievement.  The area he comes from has benefited immensely, not because the governor is governor but because the deputy comes from there and he has verged for them.

I also know that as the member of House of reps at the beginning of democracy when things were just kicking off, when the national budget were not as fat as this, he also did attract projects to his constituencies. Those were the days when a rep member can even manage to attract a project less than N50m. The period we went to the House of reps was far better than when they went because they were the pioneers. If you compare their era with our era then you make a mistake.

I became a leader in the house of rep, so i have enormous influence i got through my party. At the time he was in the house of rep, he was not in Anenih camp in the PDP. He couldn’t have been able to have enormous influence because Anenih and the rest of them were still controlling the PDP. So Odubu has achieved a lot in terms of what this government has done for this state. If you want to separate him from the Oshiomhole government, do you expect him to be using his money to be building roads and all over the place? It is one government, he served in a government that is successful and he is also successful.  That put him in a more advantageous position to be able to continue and improve on what this government has done.

What happened if Adams Oshiomhole successfully imposes his preferred candidate on other aspirants, what will be the future of APC in Edo state?

That will be speculative. As an individual with knowledge, there will be primaries for the party and any candidate that emerged will have the support of other party members irrespective of the divide now. What we pray against is that the primary should not be conducted in a manner that makes it unacceptable.

What if it was?

That will create some difficulties for the party to manage, that is the much i can say. From what had happened, i did primary in 2014, i was a senatorial aspirant and i emerged senatorial candidate in the primary the party conducted. It was free and fair and i have no doubt that this one won’t be different because it is the same party and executive leaders. I know that Oyegun led national executives will insist on credible process.

Kenneth Imansuagbon threatened to go for the ticket somewhere else if APC refused to elect him as the flagbearer.

Kenneth and i are two different people talking from different perspective. I am not running and i am talking as a true party man.

What if he wins the primary and the other aspirants are angry, will he also allow them to leave or will he be happy for them to leave?  As a true party man, i want the APC to continue to run Edo State because they have done well. I am a major stakeholder so i under the mission of APC in this country and i fully endorse it.

 

 

 

 

 

To have been able to work under Oshiomhole is a big achievement for Odubu - Hon. Samson Osagie