Oshiomhole cautions new Edo leaders against extortion of aspirants

Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole has cautioned the newly elected State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against extorting aspirants.

He spoke at a meeting with the new leaders, which included the re-elected former state Chairman, Anselm Ojezua.

Oshiomhole urged the new leaders to sustain the confidence that the people had reposed in them by their re-election.

He said:  “We must be democratic, with no imposition and must manage our differences. But at the end of the day, we must also have the capacity to speak with one voice.

“Very soon, you would be called upon as expected of leaders across the country, to actively participate in the process of electing various candidates on the party’s platform.

He cautioned against money politics and urged them to ensure that the process of electing delegates and candidates is not based on cash and carry basis.

The ex-governor advised that the election must be based on merit, and competence, rather than “on who bought a car for me, or pay my bills.

He said that was the only way to ensure that the system is cleaned up to make those elected to be accountable to their constituencies.

Oshiomhole also commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for giving the party leaders a free hand to pick the new leaders.

Ojezua had told Oshiomhole that the success of the exercise was due to the cohesion that the former governor created in the party.

However, despite reports of skirmishes in some states, the state congress in Edo State was successfully held.

The new executives were elected un-opposed and affirmed at the Imaguero College, venue of the congress, to forestall any breakdown of law and order.