Worried APC Leaders, Members Protest Imposition of Non-Party Member as Ovia North-East Local Government Council Chairman
Angry Protesters led by Iyenoma
By Reporter
A group under the eagis of Concerned Ovia North – Easth Voice, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State has protested what it described as the imposition of a non-indigene and non-party member as the Executive Chairman of the council.
The group made up of aggrieved members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) alleged that the move was being orchestrated by former deputy governor of the state, Lucky Imasuen, whom they accused of attempting to impose one Christopher Eriamatoe for the position.
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 Local Government Area.
