In a rare move since the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Edo State began, the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has distanced himself from a statement on Friday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, berating governorship hopeful, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi
Obaseki spoke through his Special Adviser on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah who wrote in a terse statement on Saturday, that the views expressed by Mr. Crusoe Osagie, were his (Osagie) and did not reflect the feelings or views of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He said “Governor Obaseki shares a long-standing personal relationship with Engr. Ogiemwonyi beyond political considerations.”
It would be recalled that Mr. Crusoe Osagie, had berated Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, a former Minister of State for Works, for earlier comments made against Obaseki, noting that Ogiemwonyi’s inability to manage his private family affairs disqualified him from the bid to govern Edo State.
Osagie, in the statement, said Ogiemwonyi’s political career was initiated by his estranged wife, Senator Stella Oduah and was also terminated by her when she got fed up with him, noting that such a character cannot be trusted with the mandate of a local council let alone a state like Edo with a rich and sophisticated history.
According to him, “Ogiemwonyi’s political career was initiated by Stella Oduah who was then his wife. She also ended his political career by withdrawing the ministerial appointment she once nominated him to hold.
“Stella Oduah has since dumped him, bringing his brief venture into politics to an end. So, you can see that this man who cannot manage a woman and his home certainly cannot run even a local government let alone a state like Edo with all our historical and contemporary sophistication.”
Osagie said, “Ogiemwonyi’s travails was advertised to the public when during her screening at the Senate, Oduah boldly told the hollowed chamber that her name is Stella Oduah with no reference to her husband. Since he is unable to get a hold of his household, it is only evident that he won’t be able to manage the affairs of Edo.”
Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi had said in a statement that the APC was united and would not lose focus in its quest to remove Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He made the statement on the heels of reactions trailing the court order suspending the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and a counter order vacating his suspension by a Federal High Court in Kano.
Ogiemwonyi, in the statement published by The Sun on Friday, however, expressed relief in the Kano Federal High ruling setting aside Oshiomhole’s suspension.
He said the court’s ruling had reinforced the resolve of APC faithful and the Edo people to enthrone a responsible and committed government in the forthcoming election in the state.
“We continue to maintain our steadfast support for our leader, Comrade Oshiomhole, as we continue our quest to reclaim our dear Edo State. Do not despair or relent in your efforts. This is a fight we must win, and will win.
“I urge all once again, to remain calm and to reject any form of violence. Victory surely will be ours,” the statement said.
