Oshiomhole, deputy reunite, pledge victory for APC

Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Pius Odubu have resolved to work and ensure victory for the party in the September 10 governorship election.
Odubu lost in the primary election to Godwin Obaseki and since then, the relationship between the two and their followers have been frosty.

Though The Guardian reliably gathered that Oshiomhole had met with Odubu privately to discuss the way forward before yesterday’s public meeting.Oshiomhole commended his deputy for his loyalty and support for the over seven years they have been in government and said whatever has happened between them was a sign of the commitment of the APC to strengthen its internal democracy.

Oshiomhole also announced that some of the aides sacked or their salaries suspended as a result of their activities leading to the primary would be restored.

“Pius and I have had an extremely cordial relationship and I have had without any prompting that in my working with Pius I found him to be absolutely loyal, dedicated and committed. But we went through an electoral primary to celebrate internal democracy that distinguished the APC from the rest. Pius and I fought many battles, both political battles as well as battles to reposition this government and together we can effortlessly point out what our stewardship accomplished for the benefit of the people of Edo State.

“The primaries have come and gone, we all knew that even if all twelve were angels only one angel was required and in choosing that one angel nobody is required to give reasons why he preferred one angel to the other and that is simply what has played out in our party.”

On his part, Odubu said he has put the past behind him and reaffirmed his commitment to the party.“We will work even harder than we have ever worked because anyone who has occupied an office will want to leave a successor behind. We will want to leave with our party APC remaining in government. Political contestation is part of politics. We have gone through it all.’’

We have a winner and a loyal party man. I am committed to working for the success of the party. I want to appreciate you Mr. governor for taking back all those who were sacked.

“One of my police officers that was shot during my attack at Auchi, the governor saw him now and seeing his deplorable condition that he has lost his eyes permanently, Mr. governor not only donated N10 million he also said he will rehabilitate him. I am back to ensure that we now become more indivisible.”