Edo APC crisis: I’m Ready For Peace – Gov Obaseki

• Admits ties with Oshiomhole still icy

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries in Edo State later this month, Embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki says efforts at mending his icy relationship with the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, are yet to yield expected results.

He however expressed willingness to do anything lawful to ‘buy peace’ and ensure the state remains peaceful before, during and after the governorship poll in the state.

“Whatever I can do that is within the law; whatever I can do that is constitutional, I will do”, Governor Obaseki told State House correspondents after his close door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday.

Betraying somewhat deep seated desire for things to improve and turn out differently between himself and his predecessor, Governor Obaseki regretted that the party chairman has unfortunately stuck to his guns having been wrongly guided by some people.

“The problem in Edo is not from within Edo, it is from outside. So the person I am competing or contesting against is not in Edo, he is in Abuja.

“It is unfortunate that he’s taken the position he has taken. I believe that he was not properly guided and as Governor and his governor and it’s my responsibility to seek peace for my state and with all my citizens.

“I will continue to strive for peace, I’ll continue to pursue peace, seek the interest of our people. I’m open, I will always call that we should talk about how to move things forward.

“We cannot turn back the hands of the clock. So there’s certain things we just must accept and see how we can move forward and build on, where we are.

“So the relationship is still frosty. I’m doing all I can, doing my best to try and make it warm, just for the sake of Edo people. Whatever it will take to have peace, you know, whatever it will take not to lose lives in Edo, I am committed to,” he said.

On the State’s coronavirus (COVID-19) status, Governor Obaseki said over 300,000 of Edo indigenes have so far been screened for the deadly virus.

He said measures have been stepped up to meet up with the 500,000-target set by the state government.