The Edo State’s chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party has inaugurated the caretaker committee members set up by the party’s National Working Committee to run the party’s affairs pending the election of new executives.

The Committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary.

Other members of the caretaker committee are Harrison Omagbon, Fidel Igenegbale, Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr, Archbishop Anthony Okosun, Segun Saiki, Adezat Ibrahim and Augustine Edosomwan.

Speaking at the inauguration in Benin City, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed confidence that the party would reclaim its mandate stolen by the All Progressives Congress during the September 21 governorship poll.

Addressing party leaders, local government chairmen, party chieftain, and other party stakeholders, the governor charged for unity and cohesion as the party explores the judicial process to reclaim its mandate.

He said, “We want a cohesive party as we fight for our stolen mandate, and I am sure we will get it back. Our mandate was stolen in broad daylight; everybody saw how they stole the mandate of the people.

“We have evidence to show how our mandate was stolen and by the grace of God, we will recover it. It will be difficult for them to go away with this stolen mandate. We have a process in government, they stole our mandate, yes but we have laws, and there is a way things are done. We are inaugurating a new government in Edo State and the Edo State Government is not involved.

“People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by constitution and law; there are procedures to handle things. They are doing an inauguration, and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand-new state.

“Illegality parades the land and we have to be patient for a while as our democracy must work. We know how they stole our mandate; we have evidence of how they stole it but let’s see how they get out of this.

“Our people came out to cast their votes for our party, we are challenging that result and we know victory will be ours. Let’s play our parts as politicians. We know these people are great liars and good at deception. We have to be out there talking and never allow their lies to take over.

“The tribunal hearing will start by December, and we want the people to be alert. The people are asking questions; it shows they are interested. The greatest thing we need now is harmony in the party and we need to talk to our people more now. The party must be in touch with the local government chairmen every week. The party must be in touch with the House of Assembly members; let the people know what is going on.

“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception. We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2bn to N5bn. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.”

The governor assured the people that he will not be far away from the party as he will never leave the party but remain in the party to give advice.

He added, “This our stolen mandate, we will get it back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria. This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy.”

On his part, the party’s candidate in the September 21 governorshi poll, Dr Asue Ighodalo, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.

He thanked the governor for his focus, determination and for leading the people right, charging the people to be focused on the project of reclaiming their stolen mandate.

Ighodalo noted, “We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition. This will take us to about the 19th of November 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.

“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times; we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate.”

PUNCH