Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Eben Enasco
All Progressives Congress (APC) internal crisis in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has taken a dramatic turn, with growing calls for the resignation of Lawrence Okah, the party’s state secretary.
At a press conference held by the Oredo APC’s Concerned Group in Benin City on Monday, the Coordinator Osamuyi osadiaye said their position has brought to light allegations of lopsided appointments and dictatorial tendencies by APC State Secretary, Lawrence Okah.
Osadiaye warned that the controversy which stemmed from Okah being accused of favoring individuals from his home Ward 7 in Oredo Local Government Area, was a great concern.
Okah was alleged by the group to have packed key party and government positions with individuals from Ward 7, leaving out other wards in the local government area.
Key positions contested by the agitators include State Secretary of APC occupied by Lawrence Okah of ward 7, Local Government Party Chairman of APC From Ward 7, Assistant Treasurer of APC, From Ward 7, Publicity Secretary of APC, From Ward 7 and Member of the State House of Assembly From Ward 7.
Others are, Member representing Edo South in Oil and Gas: Son of Lawrence Okah,
Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to the Speaker: Mostly from Ward 7, and Revenue Collectors and Supervisory Councilor also dominated by Ward 7 residents.
The development has sparked widespread discontent among party members, who feel marginalized and excluded from the decision-making process.
The Oredo APC Concerned Group has taken a strong stance against Okah, demanding his resignation and calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene.
Party members have expressed fears that the crisis could escalate and affect the party’s performance in future elections.
The Group has given Okah an ultimatum to step down, citing his alleged high-handedness and favoritism.
The group argues that Okah’s actions are contrary to the party’s principles of fairness, equity, and inclusion.
According to the group, “it is no longer news that the APC Oredo is drifting fast than expected due to the high-handedness and outright marginalization of 11 wards and the favoring of only ward 7 in Oredo Local Government Area where the APC State Secretary, LAWRENCE OKHA comes from”.
The group further stated, “this development perpetrated by LAWRENCE OKAH is undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusion. We need an urgent intervention to prevent further alienation and crisis within the Oredo APC at the grassroots level”.
“We appeal to other APC party leaders across Edo State to call LAWRENCE OKAH to order and give other wards in the LGA an opportunity to feature in the present dispensation, especially in the upcoming Local Government Election in Edo State”.
The APC leadership is under pressure to address the internal crisis and restore party unity.
Governor Okpebholo is expected to play a key role in mediating the dispute and finding a solution that will benefit the party.
