Less than two weeks before the governorship election in Edo State, four aides to Governor Godwin Obaseki have resigned their appointments.
The former aides include the trio of Osayande Emenya, Henry Osaheni Ukato and Efosa Edo-Osagie from Ward 6 of Oredo Local Government Area and Timothy Edokpolor from Ward 8 of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.
DAILY POST reports that the former Senior Special Assistants, SSAs, also resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Similarly, one Dr Pamela Archer also resigned as Special Adviser to Owan East Local Government Council.
The resignees’ letters dated September 4 and September 6, 2024, were addressed to the chairman of the council and chairmen of their various wards.
Emenya, a former youth leader of Ward 6 and former organising secretary of PDP in Oredo Local Government and Efosa Edo-Osagie hinged their resignation from the party to the non-payment of salary since their appointment as SSA to Governor Obaseki.
The duo and others also attributed their resignation from their appointments and the party to the alleged marginalisation of the “aboriginal” members of the party.
“We are also resigning from the party based on the principle of equity, fairness and justice that we hold dearly, which no longer prevail within our party at the ward levels, coupled with the marginalisation of the aboriginal PDP members, who have worked assiduously to sustain this party prior to its infiltration, despite complaints,” they stated.
They, however, thanked the leadership of the party and the state governor for the time they have spent in the party since its inception and the opportunity to serve the state government.
On her part, Dr Pamela Archer attributed her resignation as Special Adviser at Owan East Council to lack of inclusiveness in the decision-making and governance of the council
According to her: “After careful consideration and reflection, I am writing to formally resign from my position as Special Adviser at Owan East Local Government Council, effective 4th Sept. 2024.
“It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity. However, I must express my concerns about the decision-making processes within the council.
“Unfortunately, I have observed that decisions are made without the valuable input from the executives, which I believe undermines the collective effort and the potential for effective governance.
“The lack of inclusive and collaborative decision-making has made it increasingly difficult for me to perform my duties effectively.
“I firmly believe in a system where diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, ensuring that decisions made are in the best interest of our people.
“Regrettably, I feel that the current approach does not align with these values, and I do not wish to be part of a system where my contributions as an executive member are not valued or considered.
“I want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly, and it stems from my commitment to integrity, transparency, and the betterment of our community.
“I hope that my resignation will highlight the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance, which I believe is essential for the progress and development of Owan East.”