Guber Poll: 4 Obaseki’s aides resign, dump PDP

Less than two weeks before the Edo State governorship election, four aides to Governor Godwin Obaseki have quit.

The former aides are Osayande Emenya, Henry Osaheni Ukato, and Efosa Edo-Osagie from Ward 6 of Oredo Local Government Area, as well as Timothy Edokpolor from Ward 8 of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.

According to the DAILY POST, the former Senior Special Assistants, or SSAs, have also resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Similarly, Dr. Pamela Archer has resigned as Special Adviser to the Owan East Local Government Council.

The resignees' letters, dated September 4 and 6, 2024, were addressed to the council's chairman and the chairs of their respective wards.

Emenya, a former Ward 6 youth leader and former organising secretary of the PDP in Oredo Local Government, and Efosa Edo-Osagie resigned from the party due to unpaid salaries since their employment as SSA to Governor Obaseki.

The couple and others also cited the purported marginalisation of the party's "aboriginal" members as the reason for their withdrawal from their positions and membership.

"We are also resigning from the party based on the principle of equity, fairness and justice that we hold dearly, which no longer prevail within our party at the ward levels, coupled with the marginalisation of the aboriginal PDP members, who have worked assiduously to sustain this party prior to its infiltration, despite complaints," they told me.

They did, however, praise the party's leadership and the state governor for their time with the party from its foundation, as well as the opportunity to serve in the state government.

Dr. Pamela Archer, on her part, ascribed her resignation as Special Adviser at Owan East Council to a lack of inclusiveness in the council's decision-making and governance.

According to her: "After due consideration and reflection, I am writing to formally resign from my job as Special Adviser at Owan East Local Government Council, effective September 4, 2024.

"It has been an honor to serve in this role. However, I must share my worries regarding the council's decision-making processes.

"Unfortunately, I've noticed that decisions are made without the valuable input of executives, which I believe undermines collective effort and the potential for effective governance."

"The absence of inclusive and collaborative decision-making has made it more difficult for me to carry out my responsibilities successfully.

"I truly believe in a system that takes into account varied perspectives and skills, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of our people.

"Regrettably, I believe that the current approach does not reflect these ideals, and I do not want to be a part of a system in which my contributions as an executive member are not acknowledged or considered.

"I want to assure you that I did not make this decision lightly, and it is based on my dedication to ethics, transparency, and community improvement.

"I hope that my resignation will highlight the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance, which I believe is essential for the progress and development of Owan East."