Setback for Obaseki as commissioner dumps him for APC few days to election

Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday suffered a major setback in his quest for a second term as his Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ikpea resigned his position and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ikpea said that he finds it difficult to abandon the APC which he helped grow in Esan South Local Government Area which is gaining so much grounds.

Ikpea, who is the third commissioner to have resign from Obaseki’s government, said that the administration does not recognise his leadership role, even as a commissioner, adding that he gets information either from his Ward Chairmen, LGA Chairman, or SSA to the Governor.

His resignation letter reads; “This is to inform you that I am resigning my present appointment. I want to sincerely thank his Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the opportunity given to me to serve under his administration as the Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas. 

“One of the reasons why I am resigning is that politics is all about interest, trust and respect for one another, but I have never seen anything of this till date, and I am also not sure of it even if there is tomorrow.

“Moreover, the party that’s known today as All Progressive Congress APC, was brought to Esan south LGA by me, and over 90% of my supporters are APC members till date, so it is difficult to leave the house I built.

“Considering also that this administration did not recognise my leadership role, even as a commissioner I get information either from ward Chairmen, LGA Chairman, or SSA to Mr. Governor.

“I will continue to give his Excellency my support at any time the need arises. I wish you success in all your endeavours.”