Leadership (Abuja)
Osa Okhomina
20 November 2008
Benin City — The Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, and the Party-led Edo State House of Assembly has shown visible signs of getting over the outcome of the Appeal Court judgement that handed the reign of the state to the Action Congress (AC) with the promise to work with the Governor Adams Oshiomhole towards ensuring that development and democratic dividend are made available to the people of the state.
Indication of the PDP leadership's change of position emerged on Monday during a call on the newly sworn-in governor by the members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Zakawanu Garuba (PDP).
Speaking on Monday during the call on him, Governor Adams Oshiomhole revealed that since the court of Apeal judgement,the leadership of the PDP had called to congratulate him and made their intention known to be available to assist in any way they can in steering the state towards growth and development.
He said: " We are all in a shared commitment of the development of the state. The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated me, including giving me their assurance to cooperate and work with us. This has put to rest those waiting for trouble in the state.
"I have also received messages from Chief Tony Anenih, Local Government Council Chairmen, the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) among others. These leaders have assured me that what unites us is greater than what divides us. I have a duty to reciprocate the positive disposition you have taken. "
Oshiomhole said he was concerned about unemployment and urged the legislators to assist his administration in tackling it.
"Infrastructure, economy and poverty will be addressed. We will attack and banish poverty in this state because we cannot co-exist. We will address the rural people and I want to invite you to be a partner in this drive because we require a willing partner to join us".
"I will need your support on the question of extortion which have characterised the state ticketing. We are blessed with a president who believes that democracy can only survive with the rule of law. All these extortion making life impossible for the poor will have to stop. We have a duty to empower the poor and fight poverty on behalf of the people and so, all ticketing must have stopped, including in schools.
He stated that the only collection in the state would be those backed by the law and those known to the state, and that other collection will stop. "I have told the Commissioner of Police that the police must speak the language of the law and not that of the touts; this is not a banana republic. I will work with you very closely. We will collaborate and together reposition our state for the benefit of the people," Oshiomhole added.
Earlier, Zakawanu said the visit was to formally introduce the legislators to the governor and assured Oshiomhole of their cooperation.
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