Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Washington Osifo, has given his reason for resigning from his juicy position as commissioner under Monday Okpebholo, the state governor.
He said he tendered his resignation letter in accordance with the electoral law that says all political appointees interested in contesting elective positions should resign 30 days before the primaries.
He disclosed this when he visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council to inform them of his decision to contest for the Uhunwmonde/Orhionwmon Federal constituency.
“That in obidient to the law of the federal republic of Nigeria in this case, we are talking about the electoral act and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and my conscience and the call of my people to service at a higher realm.
“And you are all aware that the electoral umpire which is the INEC a few weeks ago, released a reversed timetable that constituted the electoral process to the extent that this very next month of April sometimes around on the 22nd threw the number up to on the 20 of May that the primaries of all political parties must take place within that periods and their appeals therefore must be concluded.
“And what that means is that today is already March and next month is April. The law requires that 30 days before the primaries, a holder of public office in this case not elected but appointed, the duty is naturally imposed on you by law, is to resign”, Osifo said.
Osifo said that tendering his resignation on time would enable him to engage with the people of his constituency rather than doing that at the eleventh hour.
The former commissioner added that having severed as commissioner in the state, he decided to take the step higher by contesting for the House of Representatives where he can break new grounds and contribute his quota to the overall good of Nigerians.
“This is my third time of being a commissioner. I’m not proud to say that it’s too small, it’s very big.
“But the truth is that, when you continue to hold one position for far too long, all right? The essence of living continues to diminish.
“There are no more challenges. I have been a member of the State Security Council this is my third time.
“Now, there is nothing I don’t know there. There is nothing new for me to offer at this level.
“I want to go to a place where I have to crack my brains, confront new challenges, provide new answers that would leave your mark in another level.
“This is where I seek to serve my people and I called myself three years ago. All right? But my people are the one calling me now.
“That is the situation between now and now then”, Osifo said.
On the part of the chairman, NUJ, Edo State council, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, he commended Osifo for deciding to aim higher in his political career.
He also appealed to Journalists in the state to always verify their stories before going to the press as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, he has announced the appointment of Evang. Tony Osazuwa Ph.D, as the Director General of his Campaign Organisation in Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwode Federal Constituency.
