A pro-democracy organization, Edo People For Good Governance, has demanded an end to alleged political manipulation by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
This, however, is coming in the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024. The group, in a statement on Tuesday, August 6, signed by Comrade Bright Omorodion, it’s coordinator, accused Oshiomhole of leveraging tribalism to reinforce his political power and disrupt the unity of Edo State.
The group alleged that Oshiomhole has repeatedly exploited the Owan and Akoko Edo tribes for his personal and political benefit in the Edo North senatorial district.
This, even, the group criticized Oshiomhole for claiming to advocate for Edo North while primarily advancing the interests of his Etsako tribe, which constitutes only 9% of the state’s population.
Speaking further, the group pointed out that since Oshiomhole appearance into the political space of Edo state, he leveraged his Etsako tribe to suppress other tribes.
The group said:
”Federal appointments and political positions that should benefit all of Edo State have been monopolized by Etsako, leaving Owan and Akoko Edo tribes, as well as others, marginalized....[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]
”Nearly all federal appointments to Edo State since 2015 have been allocated to Etsako individuals due to Oshiomhole’s influence.”
Oshiomhole was also criticized for denouncing the ongoing hunger protests and referred to the organizers as anonymous mobs, Arise Television reported.
The group asserted:
“The former labour leader, who previously supported protests, now appears detached from the plight of ordinary Nigerians and is resorting to any tactic to maintain his power.”
Interestingly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership also criticized Adams Oshiomhole for his unsuccessful attempt to mislead the people of Edo State with false claims of a court judgment against their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, ahead of the September 21 governorship election, ThisDay reported.