PRES STATEMENT
18/10/2024
Still basking in the euphoria of the hard-earned and well deserved election victory of our party – the All Progressive Congress APC, in the just concluded Edo State Governorship election, the Akoko-Edo APC Concern Group, a major stakeholder within our dear party is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring the safe navigation of the ship of our party – APC through the path of adequate rewards for party loyalty and dedication, while priotising due diligence and wide consultation with all critical stakeholders before major decisions are taken.
We noted with great concerns some of the actions taken by the leadership of our party, the All Progressive Congress APC, which we deemed counterproductive and capable of breeding disharmony among critical stakeholders in the Edo State All Progressive Congress, if not checked and corrected.
- Lopsided composition of the Transition Committee membership: whereas, Akoko-Edo resoundingly secured highest votes, not just in Edo North senatorial district but, in the entire state with 34,847 votes to defeat the incumbent and opposition party, People’s Democratic Party PDP, it was rewarded with just a member on the Transition Committee in sharp contrast to minimum of two members from each of other local governments with lesser votes in the election. A vicious slap on the wrist against total commitment, party loyalty and hard work exhibited by the Akoko-Edo APC!
- Due consultation with key stakeholders before appointments: Key players whose significant financial and moral commitments before, during and after the 21 September 2024 Governorship election remain vita for enduring and long-term survival of the All Progressive Congress APC in Edo State. Such individuals’ input and contributions should be sought and harnessed as they remain highly imperative in the party’s internal decision making.
It is also of great concern that Mr.Taiwo Akerele, who blatantly committed anti party activities through Daily Independent’s Francis Onoiribholo report on the 13 April, 2024 where Mr.Taiwo Akerele congratulated the opposition party, the PDP through Governor Godwin Obaseki for appointing Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo as Deputy Governor, and barely won his polling unit with less than five votes was considered best for appointment over more dedicated and selfless personalities who toiled hard to secure a landslide victory for the All Progressive Congress APC in Akoko-Edo!
One salient question begging for an answer is; had the disputed Deputy Governor, Engr Marvellous Omobayo Godswins, whom Mr.Taiwo Akerele publicly congratulated while passionately eulogizing his boss, Governor Obaseki, successfully delivered Akoko-Edo to the PDP and had won the state, which party would Taiwo Akerele have been appointed to serve?!
To avoid sinking the ship of the Edo State All Progressive Congress APC, all hands must be on deck to diligently heave, sway, surge, roll, pitch and yaw it to its core principles – Justice. We strongly implore the party leadership to, as a matter of urgency, activate, embrace and entrench fair reward mechanism in which the All Progressive Congress prides itself. It should also live up to its mantra -Justice, Peace and Unity in the overall interests and well-being of all its committed and loyal members and citizens.
Signed:
Comr. Timothy Okesin
General Secretary,
Akoko-Edo APC Concern Group
