The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has increased its members in the state House of Assembly to 14, following the defection of another PDP lawmaker, Hon. Kingsley Osamwonyi (Kaycee), representing Uhunmwode Constituency to the party.
Speaking on the occasion which held at the party’s secretariat in Benin, state charman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described it as epoch-making event, which represents another milestone in the political life of the APC in Edo State.
“Today, another historic chapter has been opened for both the APC and the good people of Edo State. First, let me congratulate Edo people for the successes recorded at the tribunal and salute their unwavering support throughout the legal process. It is with profound gratitude that I state another golden chapter has been added to the growing history of the APC in Edo State.
“I am proud to say, with all sense of responsibility, that the leadership provided by His Excellency, the Grand Commander of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has repositioned the APC as the new sheriff in town.
That same leadership style has been emulated by our own Governor here in Edo State, distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo. In just a few months in office, the unprecedented developmental strides recorded under Senator Okpebholo’s administration have caused opposition political parties to fade into political oblivion. Indeed, I think it is only fitting that we stand and give three hearty cheers to our Governor!
“Moving forward, I express my sincere appreciation that some members of the PDP have begun to reflect on the need to collaborate with our Governor in delivering the Edo State of our dreams through the Renewed Hope agenda.
The decision by Hon. K.C. Osamwonyi to defect from the PDP to the APC was informed by the irreconcilable crisis and internal quagmire that have plagued his former party-conditions which have made the realization of their political goals impossible”.
Tenebe stated that in line with the provisions of Section 68 Subsection 1(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Osamwonyi has activated this constitutional provision to join the APC, adding that his decision reflects his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the betterment of Edo State.
“As we welcome him into our great party, let us remind ourselves of the need to promote unity, collaboration, and unwavering support for Mr. President’s Renewed Hope agenda, which we are determined to nurture here in Edo. On behalf of the APC in Edo State, I want to reaffirm that the party remains committed to supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo in the full implementation of his five-point agenda and campaign promises.
“As our Governor has always said, the doors of the APC are wide open to all well-meaning Edo sons and daughters who wish to key into this transformative movement”, Tenebe added and assured Osamwonyi that the APC is one big, happy family where there is no segregation or victimisation.
In his remarks, Osamwonyi said, “For me, I’m back home. I started my active political career in APC. It’s more or less like a prodigal son. So, I’m back home”.
