Minister Distances Self From APC Crisis That ‘Consumed’ Oshiomhole

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN, has absolved himself of any complicity in the crisis that led to the sack of Adams Oshiomhole as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Keyamo said he was not involved in the crisis that “consumed” Oshiomhole during the last governorship election in Edo State, stressing that political tussle between Gov. Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State is well known to Nigerians.

Oshiomhole, had while asking to be left out of the current APC leadership debate, accused Keyamo of providing legal support for those who had worked for his removal as then National Chairman of the ruling APC. He added that the same Keyamo cannot now be rooting for his reinstatement as claimed in some quarters.

An APC chieftain, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, even accused Keyamo and others of working to bring back the sacked Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC).

While reacting to this speculation, Oshiomhole through his aide, Victor Oshioke, said, “Keyamo also offered legal advice on the legality of the NEC that was convened for the dissolution of the Oshiomhole led National Working Committee of APC and emergence of the Governor Mai-Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee.

“It is therefore frivolous for any right-thinking person to assume that Keyamo who actively supported the removal of the National chairman elected by over 6,500 party delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT because 8 out of 27 Ward executive members purportedly suspended a national party chairman, would now plot to bring the same Oshiomhole back to the office”.

Responding, Keyamo, in a statement by his aide, Tunde Moshood, rubbished the claim made by the former APC National Chairman, stressing that the former governor is still suffering from the political disappointment he suffered during the election.

Keyamo’s statement reads in part, “The story of the political tussle between Gov. Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State is so well documented that we do not need to remind Nigerians about it. Mr Keyamo had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with it.

“When the crises finally consumed Oshiomhole, Mr Keyamo was not in any strategic legal position like the office of the AGF, APC legal adviser or an SA to any high office within the system on legal matters. Mr Keyamo is not PRIVY to how members of the CECPC were nominated and/or selected, so he did not have the benefit of the opportunity to point out any legal disabilities. Regrettably, the respected Comrade must have given in to gossip and rumours.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Keyamo has no personal interest to serve. He is very content with the assignment given to him by Mr President and is very much ready and willing to return to his striving legal practice whenever his assignment is over.

“Keyamo is not struggling with anyone for anything other than to enthrone justice and fairness within the system. The minister has climbed the highest ladder in his chosen profession before being called upon to public office. Public office is not a do-or-die affair for him. All insinuations in Oshiomhole’s release that Mr Keyamo is after some PERSONAL gain is pure balderdash.”