Obaseki vs Oshiomhole: Edo NUJ calls for neutrality of individuals, seeks end to the crisis
ABIODUN JIMOH, BENIN CITY
Worried by the political impasse rocking the state, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council has appealed to well-meaning individuals to desist from taking sides in the current differences between governor Godwin Obaseki and national chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
The union hereby urged them to seek ways of ending the crisis between members of the same political family, in order to guarantee effective development of the state.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of the union, Sir Roland Osakue and Titus Akhigbe, noting that the unending crisis in the politics of the state, is likely to affect the peaceful atmosphere hitherto enjoyed by the people in the state.
They however pleads with His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II and other traditional rulers across the state not to watch their children destroy the peaceful atmosphere of the state, but to urgently wade into the crisis for the benefit of their subjects.
“The leadership and members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo
State Council have watched with keen interest the unending crisis in the politics of Edo State, which is likely to affect the peaceful atmosphere hitherto enjoyed by the people in the State.
“It is however worthy of note that the NUJ vigorously fought for the democracy
which we all enjoy today and no one, no matter how highly placed will be allowed to truncate it.
“The current crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo
State is very unfortunate, condemnable and against the interest of their party and the good people of the state.
“Edo State is our state and the current differences between members of
the ruling APC in the state cannot be settled with bashes on the pages of newspapers or televisions, but on a round table. We call on all parties to the crisis to sheath their swords and tow the path of
peace.
“As critical stakeholders and opinion moulders in the polity, we however appeal to well-meaning individuals of the state not to take sides in the current differences between Governor Godwin Obaseki and
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole but to seek ways of ending the crisis between
members of the same political family, in order to guarantee effective development of the state.
“The NUJ, at this juncture, pleads with our Revered Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II and other traditional rulers across the state not to watch their children destroy the peaceful atmosphere of the state but to urgently wade into the crisis for the benefit of their subjects. A stitch in time saves nine,” they said.
