Oshiomhole Is Responsible For Problems In Edo State – Obaseki

The political tension between Governor Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to the forefront again.

This is as Governor Obaseki has alleged that Oshiomhole is responsible for problems in Edo State.

Obaseki made the allegation while speaking with newsmen after he presented his nomination and expression of interest forms to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday.

According to Obaseki, the forces contending with Edo State are not within the state but are in Abuja.

“The problem in Edo is not from within Edo, it is from outside. So I don’t see the person I am competing or contesting against he’s not in Edo, he is Abuja,” he said.

“It is unfortunate, the position he (Adams Oshiomhole) has taken I believe that he was misguided, well not properly guided and as governor, his governor, it is my responsibility to seek peace for my state and with all my citizens.”

The Governor, however, noted that he would do all within constitutional allowance to restore peace in the state. He added that Oshiomhole’s position on happenings in Edo State is misguided.

“I will continue to strive for peace, I’ll continue to pursue peace, seek and interest of our people. I’m open, I will always call that we should talk about how to move things forward. We cannot turn back the hands of the clock. So there are certain things we just must accept and see how we can move forward and build on, where we are.”

Obaseki also disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has wished him well in his bid to secure a second term as the Governor of Edo State, adding that his administration has performed well for the people of the state.

“Well, I believe having been governor of the state for three years and the jury’s out, you can check with Edo people whether as Governor, I have served credibly, I have served the people of Edo,” he said.

“The general consensus is that we have done well as a government and that people would like us to continue with the laudable programs and policies which we have been taking over in the last three years.

“The president was quite warm, was quite welcoming when I showed him my special interest forms, he looked through it and said he would not have to go through this again and wished me good luck and assured me of his support.

Obaseki further noted that he has the support and blessings of APC governors to seek a second term in office during the September gubernatorial election in the state.

“In terms of the support by APC governors, it’s unanimous, all APC governors decided and agreed that as a party where you have an incumbent Governor particularly, if he is doing well they should run around and support him, and it’s a common practice all over the world.

“In American politics, particularly young politicians coming to the see the older politicians who endorse the candidates. So the other Governors have in essence endorsed me. That is what it means.”

As previously reported by Naija News, Obaseki has picked up the expression of interest and nomination form to seek the APC governorship ticket during the June 22 party primaries.

He is expected to go head to head with Osagie Ize-Iyamu for the party’s ticket to contest the September 2020 governorship election in Edo State.

Ize-Iyamu is reported to have Oshiomhole’s blessings to emerge as the APC candidate for Edo governorship election.