The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated members of a Caretaker Committee established by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to manage its affairs until new executives are elected.
The committee is led by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi as Chairman, with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe serving as Secretary.
Other members include Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr, Arch. Bishop Anthony Okosun, Hon. Segun Saiki, Adezat Kuburat Ibrahim, and Augustine Edosomwan.
Formed in accordance with Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the committee is tasked with overseeing the party’s operations in Edo State as outlined in Section 21(2) (a-b) of the Constitution.
This tenure is set for up to 90 days or until a new Executive Committee is in place.
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At the inauguration held at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed confidence that the party would reclaim the mandate he claims was taken by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election.
Speaking to party leaders, local government chairmen, chieftains, and stakeholders, the governor urged unity and cohesion as the PDP pursues judicial means to restore its mandate.
He said, “We want a cohesive party as we fight for our stolen mandate and I am sure we will get it back. Our mandate was stolen in broad daylight; everybody saw how they stole the mandate of the people.
“We have evidence to show how our mandate was stolen and by the grace of God, we will recover it. It will be difficult for them to go away with this stolen mandate. We have a process in government, they stole our mandate, yes but we have laws, and there is a way things are done. We are inaugurating a new government in Edo State and the Edo State Government is not involved.
“People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by constitution and law; there are procedures to handle things. They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new State.”
Obaseki continued, “Illegality parades the land and we have to be patient for a while as our democracy must work. We know how they stole our mandate; we have evidence of how they stole it but let’s see how they get out of this.
“Our people came out to cast their votes for our party, we are challenging that result and we know victory will be ours. Let’s play our parts as politicians. We know these people are great liars and good at deception. We have to be out there talking and never allow their lies to take over.
“The tribunal hearing will start by December and we want the people to be alert. The people are asking questions; it shows they are interested. The greatest thing we need now is harmony in the party and we need to talk to our people more now. The party must be in touch with the local government chairmen on a weekly basis. The party must be in touch with the House of Assembly members; let the people know what is going on.
“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception. We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.”
The governor assured the people that he would stay close to the party, pledging never to leave but to remain actively involved and offer guidance.
He added, “This our stolen mandate, we will get it back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria. This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy.”
The party’s candidate for the September 21 gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, urged members to prepare for a challenging fight and the mission to reclaim the lost mandate.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment, determination, and leadership, encouraging everyone to stay focused on the goal of restoring their mandate.
Ighodalo noted, “We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition. This will take us to about the 19th of November 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.
“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times; we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate.”
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