‘It’s our turn’ – APC leaders in Edo LGA demand state’s ministerial slot

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Etsako central LGA of Edo have demanded that the ministerial slot for the state be given to their area.

President Bola Tinubu is in the process of constituting his cabinet.

In a communique issued after an emergency meeting on Monday, the APC leaders said Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north and leader of the APC in the state, should ensure that the ministerial nominee from Edo comes from their place.

Oshiomhole hails from Estako west LGA, an area not far from Estako central within the Edo north senatorial district.

They said the LGA has suffered marginalisation as regards federal appointments.

“Rising from an emergency meeting at the party’s secretariat in Fugar, Etsako central LGA, which was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders in the local government area such as the APC south-south zonal organizing secretary, Dr Blessing Agbomhere; the LGA executives led by chairman John Saliu; zonal leaders, ward leaders, ward chairmen and candidates for the local government elections, it was agreed that the systematic marginalisation of the area in terms of appointments will no longer be tolerated,” the statement reads.

“The ‘Malotse Declaration’ (it’s our turn) leaders in Etsako central resolved that a committee of eminent leaders of Etsako central should meet with the leader of the party in the state and the senator representing Edo north senatorial district, comrade Adams Oshiomole, to address the recurring injustice done to members of the party in Etsako central.”

They said while the Etsako west LGA has positions in the Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA), Benin-Owena river basin, police service commission, Etsako east LGA has an ambassadorial slot and a house of representatives seat, leaving their area with nothing.

The APC leaders also resolved to set up a campaign council ahead of the LGA elections in Edo.

Richard Okozi, John Ughioke, Richard Lamai, Geano Abdala, Waziri Oshioma, Suleiman Bagudu, Mayor Omoba, Benji Igbadumhe, and Fred Alemho are among the leaders who signed the communique.