No division in Edo State APC, Obaseki insists

• Gov cautions EPM against plot to destabilise party, Akpatason wants reconciliation
• Faction backs Oshiomhole’s mom over rejection of Christmas gifts

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday insisted that there is no division in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted that all those working to destabilise the party under the guise of Edo Peoples Movement (EPM) were not APC members, including its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who he reaffirmed had been suspended.

Obaseki, who said that all those working to destabilise the party would be shown the way out, spoke at a gathering of APC members from Owan East and West council areas at Sabogida-Ora. Obaseki said the APC in the state was united, strong and formidable, stressing that members of the EPM were not members of the APC.

“Members of the EPM are trying to frustrate the good plans we have for Edo people and their plan is to burn markets and government buildings. Their intention is to discredit our administration, but the people of Edo know better.“APC is one party; those that say they are in EPM are not APC, including their National Chairman who we have suspended in Edo State. Those mistakenly elected into the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), who are members of EPM have been thrown out and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aware and will soon announce date for a fresh election, where we would have opportunity to elect credible representatives in the House.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has asked us to deal with any person or group of persons engaging in anti-party activities. We have been told to go back to organise our party and that’s why we are here. “As a ruling party in the state, we have done a lot for Edo people, moving the state forward progressively but EPM are afraid of progress and will do anything to ensure we don’t get another term,” Obaseki said.

Besides, representative of Akoko-Edo federal constituency, Peter Akpatason has urged aggrieved members of the party to embrace peace for the unity and over all development of the state.Akpatason, who is Deputy Majority Leader, House of Representatives, made the appeal at a thanksgiving service in Akoko-Edo over his victory at the poll, saying his third term mandate was divine.

Meanwhile, a faction of the state chapter of APC yesterday expressed support for mother of APC National Chairman, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole for rejecting Governor Obaseki’s Christmas gifts.It described her action as a step in the right direction and one done in good faith to protect her son, Adams Oshiomhole.

Reacting to Obaseki’s claim over the rejection of the Christmas gifts, state Secretary of the party, Lawrence Okah commended Madam Oshiomhole for rejecting Governor Obaseki’s rice.In a statement issued by Okah in Benin City, he expressed satisfaction with the action, adding: “We hail Madam Oshiomhole for rejecting the rice, if the story from the Edo State Government House is true, because no responsible mother will want her son to be harmed.