CALL FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY IN EDO STATE: Undemocratic Call By APC, Says PDP

….It Is Treacherous, Full Of Bile, Must Be Condemned By All

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) in Edo State, has reacted to a press release credited to the State Chairman of APC, Col. Imuse, calling for the declaration of a state of emergency in Edo state.

In a press statement issued and signed by Edo State Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare said that the call is not only undemocratic, it is treacherous, full of bile and must be condemned by all.

According to Edo SPS, “this statement leaves us with no other option but to question the democratic credentials of Col. Imuse who incidentally is a retired military officer. In the not so distant past, we were made to understand that Colonels in the Nigeria Army  were very influential in the planning and execution of coups! Col. Imuse is advised to perish that thought! 

“It’s a shame Edo State is not blessed with a vibrant, visionary and knowledgeable opposition in the form of APC. In a futile attempt to sound knowledgable and because they don’t know, they resort to catchy headlines and empty rhetoric.

“Clearly their lack of vision and ignorance are always manifest in their write ups and we will be doing Edo state and her people a disservice if we do not advice Edo people on the worthlessness of the rantings and ramblings of Edo APC. 

“As the public is advised to be wary of APC anti-people rhetoric, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state is hereby advised to stop making spurious, irresponsible and unsubstantiated claims that betray the bitterness, delusion and angst in them.

“Opposition politics requires intelligence, tact and not childish tantrums!”

Going further, Chris Nehikhare said, “Edo people believe in the vision of Governor Obaseki. Over the last 12 months, he has not only shown capacity in the management of the resources and finances of the state but in the design of a 
master plan that will become a road map to a prosperous future. 

“Governor Godwin Obaseki is already laying the foundation for this 30 years plan with some of the reforms and landmark projects he has embarked upon; from the civil service reforms, to basic education, to health, power, agriculture, fintech, MSMEs, culture, sports and security.
 
“All these infrastructures have been deliberately and carefully put in place to serve as the pillars for the 30 years development and physical plan, which on its own has four key pillars, which are; Governance and sustainable environment, Social Development, Economic Development and Infrastructural Development. 

“I have focused on these enumerated above so APC and it’s gestapo style leadership will know that PDP and Governor Obaseki is not about the next election but the next generation. 

“If not for the sake of sound bites, we are sure APC wouldn’t dare disparage the Edo State judiciary. An arm of government that is neutral, independent and the last hope of the common man. APC cannot blackmail the Judiciary as it is made up of men and women of proven and high integrity. Only a few weeks ago it ruled in favor of APC state youth leader. Is that a sign of emasculation? Or you used that word as it sounded fancy? 

“APC accusing Governor Obaseki of crippling the legislature when you know and Edo people know that: 

“With the Refusal/neglect by members-elect to subscribe to the Oath of Membership/Allegiance with respect to the affected constituencies throughout the First Session and First Quarters of the 7th Assembly of Edo State amounts to abdication of office.

“INEC should have in the circumstance withdrew the affected members’ certificate of return having failed/neglected to seat in the House they were elected and their constituency and seats having been declared vacant by the Speaker in exercise of his power as vested by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by which act, the affected members-elect can no longer be inaugurated.

“It would amount to a type of political double jeopardy if a political party that as of its own internal quibbles, indiscipline and lawlessness created a near anarchy on the governance of a state is permitted/allowed to profit from its shenanigans. 

“Your Party and it’s indisciplined lot tied up INECs hand in various frivolous court cases hence bye-elections have not been able to be conducted to fill up the vacancies occasioned by the recalcitrant former lawmakers elect. Even a doctrine of necessity ruling has been frustrated by APC.

“Once again, it is clear APC has nothing to say but like the cock, it needed to crow so Edo people don’t forget its carcass is still in Edo state. 

“Governor Godwin Obaseki and PDP will continue to deliver on good governance! 

‘It’s obvious, the MEGA Agenda is causing serious discomfort for APC,” the statement concluded.