By Kingsley Abavo
Benin, Nigeria – Governor Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Committee deployed in Edo State by the national body of the All Progressives Congress to conduct the June 18 gubernatorial election of the party in the State has promised that it would be fair to all aspirants in the primary election.
Alhaji Masari made the declaration yesterday during a courtesy visit of the Committee to Governor Oshiomhole in his office.
“We are here to conduct primaries for those who are contesting to be the next governor of Edo State. We will abide by the guidelines of the party, and we also assure all aspirants that we will be just and fair to all. We are not angels, but certainly we hope, that by the time we finish, the appeal committee will have no work because if truly the candidates are interested in the state, in the party and in the country, we assure them that the outcome will be an outcome that will stand the test of time.”
He expressed the hope that all they are doing is in the interest of Edo State, “and they know that out of the twelve, only one must emerge.”
He said the process has been laid down, and hoped they will comply with it as well, adding: “we assure them that we will do justice to all. We hope they will cooperate in the best interest of the people of Edo State and Nigeria.”
He advised all against violence as according to him, it is the only thing that can mar primaries or elections, adding that anybody unsatisfied with the outcome should follow party guidelines on the issues of petitions and complaints.
On his part, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State called on the Committee to ensure that the same rules which produced a successful primary election in Kogi State are used in the Edo APC primary election.
“We are confident that the national secretariat couldn’t have had a better person to provide leadership for democratic exercise. Let me also appreciate you for coming along with very senior members of the government of Katsina State. By their level, there is no question that you have a very strong supportive crew that will ensure the assignment is made much easier for you.”
He decried false reports by the media, saying: “we have had a very bad press in the past few weeks, mostly arising from false alarm and distorted story and half-truths here and there.”
He assured members of the committee that everything would be done to complement their effort and make their assignment easy.
Other members of the Masari Committee are Shuaibu Musa, Former National Financial Secretary of the APC, Rt Hon Babangida Nguroje, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Babangida Pate and Hon Azeez Mohammed.
Also on the Governor’s entourage were Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, Secretary to Katsina State Government, Bello Mandiya, Chief of Staff, among others.
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