Edo faults PDP’s call for SSG resignation

The All Progressives Congress in Edo State, on Thursday, demanded the resignation of Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, following his emergence as the running mate to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming September 21 governorship poll.

But the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, described the APC as being “illiterate like its candidate” declaring that the Electoral Act permits Ogie to be in government till one month to the election.

A statement by the acting Chairman of the  EdoAPC, Jarrett Tenebe,  said the action of Ogie to remain in office “is patently unacceptable and an affront to the good people of Edo State.”

He added, “As an unelected public officer, Ogie is given an ultimatum to resign from government forthwith as his continued stay in office is a clear violation of all known rules of decency and ethics.

“By remaining in office, while posing as running mate in the governorship election, Ogie is also in violation of the public service rules which prohibit a public servant from using public resources to fund private purposes.

“Ogie is currently earning salary and other official benefits as Secretary to the State Government, even while pursuing a private ambition to become deputy governor.

“He is using official vehicles and other government logistics to service his electioneering campaign. This is totally unacceptable and a waste of taxpayers’ money. This is the very definition of corruption. No unelected public servant should be allowed to do this. It’s patently wrong and a disservice to the state and the longsuffering people of Edo State.”

However, communication commissioner, Nehikhare, disagreed with the APC’s position, saying,  “They can’t read and their candidate can’t read. They should go and read the electoral law. It says 30 days before the election. It is obvious now the APC cannot read and their candidate cannot read. It is a party of clueless people.”