Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
A group under the umbrella body of Concerned Ovia North East Voice, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State has protested the imposition of a non-party member as the executive chairman of the council.
The group who is an aggrieved members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) alleged that the move was fashioned by former deputy governor of the state, Lucky Imasuen, whom they accused of attempting to impose one Christopher Eriamatoe on them.
In a letter addressed to the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and signed by Mr. Lugard Iyenoma and made available to Journalists in Benin, appealed for an urgent intervention to halt the alleged plan.
According to the letter, “Mr. Christopher Eriamatoe is not a member of our great party and as such cannot be given such a vital position in the local government where he once worked against us as media agent to the former Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in the election that brought you in as the Executive Governor of Edo State.”
The group further argued that imposing an opposition member on the local government because of what they described as a “maternal relationship” was unacceptable and undermined party unity.
“Imposing an opposition member on our local government area because of maternal relationship sounds awful and embarrassing.
“It sidelines legitimate party stakeholders and qualified indigene from our LGA, weakens cohesion and undermines the principle of local representation which you advocate for and stand for,” the group stated.
They also warned that the development could erode confidence among party members and youths in the fairness of the current administration in the area.
“Our ward leaders and youths which make up the local government have already raised concerns. Placing an outsider risks eroding confidence in the government’s fairness in Ovia North-East,” the statement said.
The group therefore demands that the alleged nomination be halted until indigene of the local government area are transparently considered.
They also called on the governor to meet with party leaders and stakeholders in the council within seven days and ensure that local government slots are given to bona fide indigene and verified members of the party.
However, when contacted via the phone, Imasuen dismissed the allegations, describing the protesters as paid agents of some political leaders in the locality.
The former deputy governor said the claims were politically motivated and should not be taken seriously.
