Suspended Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Erhahon has said that the former governor is not responsible for his ousting.
He accused”his colleagues” for orchestrating his travail, adding that they couldn’t stand the ease at which he solved problems, even reaching out to oppositions when necessary.
Comrade Erhahon told NAIJA CENTER NEWS that the former governor, Adams Oshiomhole was not informed before he was suspended from the party.
Quoting Oshiomhole, Erhahon said “Unfolding events revealed former Governor, Come Adams Oshiomhole was not consulted before I was punished.
“His view is that if they have to punish me for criticizing him they should first show evidence of how they have rewarded me for defending him in the past. If they have to suspend everyone who criticizes him, how many people would be left in the party?”
Erhahon said the party Chairman, Barr. Anselm Ojezua and Chief Osaro Idah were those who orchestrated his ousting, adding that he had informed the caucus provided by the former governor.
“Those behind it were Anselm Ojezua and Chief Osaro Idah never wanted any officer that could assert his right .
I have just lodged complaint to the State Caucus presided over by Comrade Oshiomhole.”
“But because Odubu was the most haunted , my fight for level playing field appeared to be in his favour. I always told Dr Odubu that Ogiemwonyi was my candidate. But I didn’t want the process manipulated even in favour of my candidate.” He said.
The former Publicity Secretary said he had played his role in his party and expressed sadness on the statement by the new Publicity Secretary concerning CPC.
“The truth is that most of my colleagues are not comfortable with my fame , influence and proactive activism by which I meet at ease, personalities they dread and worship.
“But as a veteran journalist and labour leader of high repute, I have paid my dues beyond what anybody can earn in arrears.
“When in 2014, ITV was fighting then Commissioner for transport, they were shocked that I dared to meet the owner of ITV, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, and resolved the issue between ITV and the Commissioner instantly with the high Chief.
“When I saw how PDP floored APC during the 2015 presidential election in Edo South, I went and pleaded with the main financier of PDP in the district to withhold his sponsorship of PDP for the State Assembly election which followed two weeks later.
“If we had lost the Assembly election or even the Presidential election, we could have lost the governorship election finally. But they talk ridiculously of CPC legacy in APC as we were not on ground forgetting that it was CPC legacy that gave us victory at the Presidential election.
”
On the speculation making rounds that that Adams Oshiomhole has turned tyrant, the suspended PS said ” I have no evidence to prove that the our state Governor has turned to a tyrant.”
Erhahon also briefly talked on the development at the Edo State House of Assembly where the Speaker, Hon. Justin Okonoboh and his deputy, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie were impeached in a commando style.
Erhahon while responding to the situation said “All that is happening in Edo State House of Assembly is power tussle.”
The former APC publicity secretary was suspended after granting an interview where he openly expressed his opinion that Oshiomhole should not be made the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
The party claimed that he had violated the party constitution by engaging in an anti-party activities.
In his explanation, Erhahon said “I spoke in my personal capacity. Specifically, that I am opposed to any attempt to replace Chief John Odigie-Oyegun with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as National Chairman of APC.”
The party claimed he was suspended over his refusal to apologise to Oshiomhole over his attack on him during an interview with Tell Magazine.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the State Chariman of the party, Barrister Anslem said the party decided not to rescind the suspension of Comrade Godwin Erhahon owing to his refusal to apologies for his role in alleged anti-party activities against the constitution of the APC.
He said there was a unanimously vote of no confidence by the state executive on Comrade Erhahon and dismissed claims in some quarters that the forum publicity secretary supported the PDP in the last election.
