A socio-cultural organization based in Benin City, the Aigbedo Progressive Alliance (APA), has raised concerns over the appointments made so far by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and called for more representation for the Edo South senatorial district.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office on Tuesday, announced several key appointments, including Barrister Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SGG), Dr. Samson Osagie as Attorney-General, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole as Health Commissioner-designate, and Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary.
However, the APA, led by its president Engr. Carl Uyiosa Otokiti, expressed disappointment over the distribution of these appointments, arguing that Edo South, the most populous and resource-rich district, has been unfairly sidelined.
The group accused the governor of marginalizing the district and hinted at a potential vendetta.
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Engr. Otokiti reminded Governor Okpebholo of his campaign pledge to ensure the inclusion of more Edo-based politicians in his administration, urging him to uphold that promise by ensuring fair representation for all senatorial districts.
Otokiti, in a statement, said: “We are a Benin ethnic nationality organisation, which aims to advance the cause of rapid development of the Benin nation, through constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and overseas.
“We are constrained to remind you, as you are undoubtedly aware that, your administration started on the note of vendetta against Edo South political stakeholders in the manner you shared four political appointments and reduced Edo South, the most populated senatorial district with the most critical natural resources – at par with Edo North senatorial district in allocation of a ministerial slot to each district.”
“For context, four appointments were made on your first day, they are Chief Press Secretary, Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners for Heath, and Commissioner for Justice.
“The first two appointments were given to your Edo Central senatorial district which is the least populated and without natural resources; while the last two slots were shared between Edo North and Edo South districts, respectively.
“Apart from slighting Edo South politicians as the one commissioner-designate is Adams Oshiomhole’s biological son, speaks volume of political patronage to a man you hailed during your inauguration as ‘the godfather’, more than an altruistic desire to serve the larger interest of Edo people. This is most unfortunate.
“Despite your campaign promise to populate your administration with Edo based tacticians, of the four appointees, only Samson Osagie is Edo based, the remaining three were completely silent to the torrents of your gubernatorial campaign trails. This is another deviation from what you promised Edo people,” the group stated.
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