From: Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
A pan oil and gas producing community, under the aegis of OBIKOBIG (Oben, Ikobi, Obazogbe and Iguelaba) in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki, for zoning a seat of the state commissioner in the yet-to-be-formed cabinet to Ugu ward.
President, OBIKOBIG youth, Comrade Kelly Ogbeide, who spoke on behalf of the group, gave the commendation while addressing newsmen in Benin-City, on Thursday.
Comrade Kelly also commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the locality for abiding by the party and supporting the proposed decision to have a commissioner from the community.
He said the zoning of the commissioner’s seat to the community is coming at the heat of agitations against marginalization in states and federal government appointments, including absence of basic infrastructure.
“It is a very clever decision on the part of the APC and we are very grateful that they have finally decided to yield to the voice of justice and tour the part of fairness”.
“Ward One has the member representing Orhionmwon East Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly, Ward Two has the member representing the Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
“Other axis like Ward three and Four boast of the very respected NDDC Commissioner, with the party Chairman and House of Assembly member for Orhionmwon South Constituency from Wards Five and Six respectively.
“Even when the non-oil producing axis of Urhonigbe Ward Seven and Eight proud of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state and a serving representative in the EDSOGPADEC, the Ugu-Evbeosi Wards Nine and Ten that houses exploration of oil with its attendant environmental impact is fast being forgotten, and the attendant decision of the APC is coming as a sigh of relief to the indigenes”, he said.
Comrade Ogbeide said the state governor has demonstrated his determination to spread the political positions across board.
He reiterated the commitment of the group to foster the development of Orhionmwon and Ugu in particular.
“We are happy to be in partnership with any sincere government.
“We praise Obaseki for his sense of all inclusive governance and hope that he gets a dependable hand with fresh and brilliant ideas”.
“It is perceived that such decision will calm the nerve of the indigenes of the highly volatile axis as the Obaseki’s administration finally settles down with the business of effective governance”, he said.