By Kolawole Ojebisi
A Former Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Oil, and Gas, Edo State and erstwhile Executive Chairman of Esan south East Local government Council, Honourable Joseph Ikpea, has advanced reasons why he is very qualified to occupy the vacant Edo Central Senatorial seat vacated by the incumbent governor of Edo state, Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Ikpea, popularly known aa a strong grassroots politician and stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) in Edo State advanced these reasons while formally declaring interest in the Edo Central Senatorial Seat, recently declared vacant by the Senate (National Assembly)
Recall that the Senate in keeping with the tenets of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended, had declared a seat previously occupied by Okpebholo vacant last week.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, after considering the letter submitted to the Senate by the Edo Governor declared the Senatorial Seat vacant.
By the development, a bye-election would be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to elect a new senator.
Briefing newsmen in Benin, Hon. Ikpea said that he has remained an ardent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who has contributed to the growth of the party to achieve its potential as a formidable party in Edo state.
He further maintained that his wealth of experience, rich credentials, especially having served in different capacities in the state, put him above other aspirants for the position.
Ikpea added that he is a tested and proven political leader who has discharged his leadership responsibilities towards achieving the desired results for the people of the state including at various communities levels.
“I stand today to present myself as a humble servant to contest the seat of Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, which was declared vacant recently. You all know me from my background.
“I was a member of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board during Chief Lucky Igbinedion’s administration.
“ I was a commissioner under Godwin Obaseki’s administration, and I was a chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Area in Edo State. With these experiences, I have all it takes to bring development to the people,” he contended.
