Tony Osauzo; Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo State yesterday held a peaceful state congress with Barr. Aselm Ojezua retaining the state chairmanship by consensus.
As early as 9am, delegates from the 18 local government areas had converged in Imaguero College, venue for the state party congress.
The state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, arrived the venue of the congress at 12:44pm. Addressing the delegates, the Chairman, Congress Election Committee, Prof. Oke Onyejekwe, said though they had been designated to supervise the exercise, the way and manner delegates had conducted themselves for the congress, there was no doubt that they had agreed on a consensus. Speaking on behalf of other elected officers, the chairman, Mr. Aseem Ojezua, said the party was more united compared to when he was first elected as the chairman of the party four years ago. “Some time about four years ago, when we assumed this office for the first time, things were so bad for APC. Today, I feel very pained that comrade Adams Oshiomhole is not here to witness the result of the hard work and diligence and industry that he put into this party.
“What we see today is because of the industry of Adams Oshiomhole. Today, Edo State is the example for Nigeria. We have shown the world that peaceful transition is indeed possible. That by consensus, you can make your choice and yet it will be inclusive. Today, we have proven that in Nigeria, things can work if we have the right attitude and so I will give thanks to all of you who have given us support all this time,” he said.
Ojezua added that the peaceful congress conducted in the state has proven that the party can achieve a lot if all members join hands together and work for the progress of the party.