…Returns To APC, Cites Reasons For Resignation
By Gbenga Abulude(The New Diplomat’s politics and General desk)
Edo State Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, Mr. Joseph Ikpea, on Wednesday resigned from Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration. Mr Ikpea who is also a former Local government Council chairman cited reasons in his resignation letter addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki why he had to step aside at this last minute.
In Esan South East local government area where Ikpea previously served as a Council Chairman, he is perceived as an Iroko of Esan South East LGA. The Commissioner’s resignation is coming 10 days to the Edo governorship election that has Obaseki as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, had resigned from Obaseki’s administration in June. This is barely five weeks after the chief of staff to the Edo state governor, Mr Taiwo Akerele similarly resigned, alleging that he was being sidelined in state matters.
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In the resignation letter signed by Ikpea and dated 9th of September, the former Commissioner cited lack of interest, trust, and respect as part of the reasons he decided to quit the cabinet.
Ikpea noted that he brought APC to Esan South East Local Government Area and majority of his supporters are still in the party which Obaseki left in order to realise his re-election ambition.
The Commissioner said: “One of the reasons why I am resigning is that politics is all about Interest, trust and respect for one another but I have never seen all of this till date.
“All Progressive Congress (APC) was brought to Esan South East LGA by me and over 90% of my supporters are APC members till date. So it is difficult to leave this house I built considering also that the administration didn’t appreciate my leadership role”.
The gale of defections among politicians in Edo was not unexpected due to the switching of parties between Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, of the PDP and APC , respectively.
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As the Edo State gubernatorial election holding next week Saturday draws near, more drama in Edo politics are not unlikely as parties embark on their last minute campaign tours.
