BENIN CITY – THE quest by the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) to take over the 18 local government areas in Edo State assumed a new dimension on Friday as the Chairman of Ovia South West local government area, Hon Edosa Enowoghomenma defected to the APC with eight elected councillors including the Leader of the House, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor.
In another development, the chairman of Owan West local government area Hon Dickson Ahonsi and five elected councillors also defected to the APC as the face-off between the councils and Governor Monday Okpebholo continues.
Ahonsi said their decision to join the APC was influenced by the steps taken so far by Governor Okpebholo to develop the state. They were received by the State Secretary of the party, Engr. Lawrence Okah and other members of the state executive committee.
He said “Firstly, his activities on the assumption of office were impressive as he made important appointments, unlike the previous government. Soon the list of commissioners will be released and it is a welcome development.
“The projects that he has embarked upon show clearly that Edo is in safe hands and that is why I am here to join the party.”
Okah, while receiving the suspended chairman and councillors into the party said the doors of the party are open to receive more defectors.
“We have long been expecting you to join us . APC now has five Councilors and more will come. Use the broom to mobilize other people to join the party”.
Meanwhile, the defectors from Ovia South West were received by the chairman of the party, Emmanuel Ogbomo who told them that they would not regret joining the ruling party in the state.
According to him, “There is nothing new about what you are doing today, I was in the PDP for 20 years before I left and now I am the LGA chairman of the party which means that in the APC everybody is treated equally and you will not regret your action, we will join to protect you and your office.”
Speaking earlier before he was presented with the paraphernalia of the party, Enowoghomenma said they decided to join the APC to support Governor Monday Okpebholo and their son, the deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa to develop the state.
He said “We have thought it wise to pitch tent with the APC in Ovia South West LGA, to work harmoniously with our governor, Distinguished Sen Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State and our very own, our son, we call him Ovia Proper, Mr Project Rt. Hon Dennis Idahosa. Hon Dennis is not a stranger to all of us, we know him and he is a blessing to Ovia South West.
“As the council chairman, it will do our people, Ovia South West no good if we do not work in tandem with the deputy governor and the governor of Edo state hence we all agree to come and join him in the APC today and further put our house together to develop our local government.”
The Leader of the House, Hon Edobor said they were not under duress but took the decision for the interest of the local government area. “I am happy with my other colleagues of the Ovia South West legislative arm to join forces and ensure that there is development in Ovia South West. The reason why we are in politics is to ensure that Ovia South West is taken to an enviable height so we are here today, we are not under duress, we are here to join the ruling party in the state to bring about the renewed hope to our people. The essence of being in politics is to bring development.”
