The ongoing rift within the Edo State political landscape has drawn attention from key figures, with former Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, making his stance clear.
Oshiomhole emphatically stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not intended as a refuge for politicians who have faced failures, discontent, and disloyalty.
The backdrop of his statement was the widely circulated news that Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, contemplated rejoining the APC after a falling-out with his superior, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Oshiomhole’s remarks were delivered during a visit to the family of the late Esogban of the Benin kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, in Benin on Thursday. In his address, he highlighted the lack of precedence where courts base judgments on mere suspicion.
He expressed, “About somebody going to court to complain based on suspicion that he was about to be impeached by the state House of Assembly, I don’t know how court adjudicates over suspicion.”
In response to the speculation surrounding Shaibu’s potential return to the APC, Oshiomhole was unequivocal: “Let me say this, the APC is not a rehabilitation center for failed politicians. Those of us in APC are satisfied the way we are; we are happy to be in opposition. I want to say we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. I want to say no to IDP in the APC.”
“My advice is those who are having challenges should learn how to respect their bosses. I also advise people that anybody you work with be loyal. Many of you will attest to the fact that my deputy was interested in succeeding me when I was the governor, but I didn’t support him, and he didn’t take me to court. And if there are people whose sole aim is to profit from crisis, such persons cannot get my support.”
Commenting on Shaibu’s aspirations, Oshiomhole acknowledged the desire for representation from various zones, stating, “It would be nice if my clan produce the next governor of Edo State, but Nigeria doesn’t work that way. Based on the principle of fairness, it would be good for other zones to produce the next governor of the state.”
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