From Moshood Karim
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Chairmen across Edo South have thrown their weight behind the State Secretary of the party, Lawrence Okah, dismissing calls for his resignation as baseless and sponsored mischief.
At a press conference in Benin City on Friday, the Chairmen passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Okah, insisting he remains a pillar of stability within the party. Their statement came in response to allegations by a group in Oredo Local Government, which accused Okah of marginalisation by allegedly concentrating political appointments in his Ward 7.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen, the Okao of Ologbo and Egor dukedoms, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, who also doubled as Chairman of APC in Egor, described the agitators as “unknown and faceless individuals” with no legitimacy to question the party’s leadership.
“We have said it before—those behind that press briefing are not from Oredo, nor do they hold any recognised position in APC. They lack the moral right to demand the resignation of a high-profile party officer like the State Secretary,” Iyase declared.
He praised Okah as a steadfast party loyalist who held the APC together during its turbulent years, particularly when former Governor Godwin Obaseki defected to the PDP.
“Engr. Lawrence Okah is a man who stood firm for the APC when many abandoned ship. He is a chieftain who kept the party united, and today, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, the APC is stronger than ever,” Iyase said.
Dismissing claims of lopsided appointments, the Chairmen lauded Governor Okpebholo’s administration for ensuring fair representation across Edo’s senatorial districts. They cited the recent spread of commissioner appointments—covering Ovia, Uhunmwonde, Oredo and beyond—as evidence of inclusivity.
“Those crying foul are living in a fool’s paradise,” Iyase added. “The governor has restored the integrity of the Benins and run an inclusive government. Every ward in Oredo has benefited. Everyone who worked for the party deserves their reward.”
The Chairmen called on aggrieved voices to desist from what they termed “needless distractions” and to support Governor Okpebholo’s administration and the APC leadership for the stability and progress of Edo State.
