Real reasons Obaseki did not appeal APC disqualification — Osagie

LOYALTY of the governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to the people of the state informed his decision not to appeal against his disqualification by the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee of governorship aspirant from the planned party primaries, his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie said, on Sunday.

Osagie said his principal was unperturbed by his disqualification because major stakeholders in the state were resolute in their unflinching support for Obaseki’s resolve to protect their commonwealth.

He said the governor was also firm in his stance not to kowtow to the wishes of a handful of politicians, who did not have the interest of the people at heart.

In a statement, Osagie expressed the appreciation of the governor to the people and other Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and solidarity since the announcement of his unjust disqualification by the APC screening committee.

“For Obaseki, it is Edo people or nothing. This is why he has remained in this battle thus far. Among many other reasons, each of the groups that form the governor’s support base has benefitted from Governor Obaseki’s stance against thuggery and extortion.

“The governor has enthroned probity and accountability in governance.

For labour unions, regular salaries, clearing of over 20 months pension arrears and providing a conducive work environment is what is gearing them to support the governor. The pensioners are fully in support of his policies.”

Osagie said that the camp of the governor was consulting widely with party leaders and members in the state, as well as other stakeholders on the next option, promising that: “we shall soon brief the public on the next steps we are taking, going forward.”

Meanwhile, Osagie has declared the action of the screening committees and the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole was meant to destroy the party.

According to the spokesman for the governor. “As if the embarrassment which they brought to the party through the shameless and unjust disqualification of Obaseki by the screening committee was not sufficient, they have now gone ahead to announce that the appeal committee has upheld the dubious disqualification.

“The question is: how does an Appeal Committee claim to uphold an issue that was not appealed? The governor has been unequivocal in his stance that he was not going to appeal the so-called disqualification by a screening committee that can best be described as a gathering of court jesters, who congregated to massage the ego of their paymaster, who is Comrade Oshiomhole.

“Juxtaposing this comical, distasteful and disgraceful charade against the mantra of change, integrity, social justice and progress, which ought to be the character of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), reveals the depth of the abyss into which Comrade Oshiomhole has dragged the party.”