*Debunks rumors about dissolution of party Exco, disagreements on appointments
By Okhide Em’ya David
People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Edo state chapter has assured the people and all visitors to the state of adequate security of their lives and property following the priority attention and strategy the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has instituted to address the worsening security challenges.
Chairman, Edo PDP, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi told Journalists at a world press conference at the Party’s secretariat on Wednesday in Benin City, that the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki was having sleepless night on the security challenges.
Dr Azeigbemi said “The first thing our governor Godwin Obaseki thinks about when he wakes up in the morning is how to secure the lives and properties of Edolites. It is the last thing he thinks about as he goes to sleep at night.”
The PDP Chairman emphasized that the plans for security in Edo State “which are now in implementation stage will guarantee you a peaceful Christmas and New year celebration.
You will see some of the security measures on our Roads within the next two weeks. Most of the security measures you will however not see.”Dr Aziegbeme debunked rumours of purported dissolution of the State Executive of the Peoples Democratic Party by the Governor, explaining that Obaseki is not desirous of dissolving any of the existing structures.
On alleged quarrel amongst the party members over the few appointments made so far, the Edo PDP Chairman said the Party can not interfere in appointments of personal staff of the Governor describing the appointments made so far as perfect and excellent for the task of repositioning the state.
Dr Anthony Aziegbemi said on going reforms in the Civil Service have led to unveiling of mind bugling facts which when addressed will make Edo Civil Service a model in the country.
He decried what he called unnecessary vilification of the Governor over slight delay in the constitution of the State Executive Council or Cabinet, noting that Mr. Obaseki required time to address certain fundamental challenges to put the administration of the state on a balanced perspective to assume full throttle, so that the in coming executive members will fit into their Portfolios and function properly .
The PDP Chairman who reflected on events which shaped this year, referring to the global Covid 19 Pandemic, immediately followed by the #EndSARS riot coupled with the dwindling revenues due to fall in oil prices and noted that the Party had its share of the ordeal.
He however observed that they were able to conduct “a well organized State Party Congress in March which culminated into the election of the state working and Executive Committees, while the Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki enlisted in the Party at the middle of the year.
Aziegbemi said Edo PDP also conducted the most organized primaries and campaigned through out the 192 Wards leading to a resounding victory at the Gubernatorial Election adding that on top of the victory at the polls they have been able to manage almost seamlessly the vast number of All Progressive Congresses, APC, who defected to the Party.
He said the year 2020 has been an eventful year and that they render abundant appreciation to God Almighty while expressing optimism that “succour is on the way, as he sees light at the end of the tunnel