By DADA AYOKHAI
In the weeks leading up to the inauguration of the APC administration, there have been emerging discussions about the allocation of key positions within the party.
Central to this discourse is the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
Two senatorial districts are currently expressing interest in this important role and are engaged in a back-and-forth about which senatorial district should produce the SSG.
Senator Monday Okpevbolo, the winner of the Edo guber election hails from the Edo Central senatorial district
Even with the number one position firmly in their hand, the Edo Central APC leaders are asking for additional representation and recognition in key government positions, particularly the SSG position.
Conversely, the Edo North district, having played a significant role in delivering substantial votes for the party, feels strongly about their claim to the position as a form of acknowledgement for their contributions.
It’s worth noting that the Edo North district was the only one out of the three that the APC won.
The Edo Central APC leaders often reference the previous administrations of Igbinedion, Osunbor, Oshiomhole, and Obaseki, where two powerful positions of governor and SSG were held by separate individuals from the same senatorial district as a precedent.
They further argued that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) position is appointive and that whoever occupies it serves at the beck and call of the governor who as the Chief Executive Officer of the state enjoys the constitutional leverage to appoint whoever he pleases as a personal aide
In response, however, the Edo North APC leaders contend that this argument is unconvincing. They question why one senatorial district should corner all the booties of war to the detriment of others
They maintain that Edo North deserves to be adequately compensated, emphasizing that politics is fundamentally about what each person brings to the table, wondering why the zone should be shortchanged
As this debate rages on, there is also a growing dispute within Edo North district over which of its three areas—Etsako, Owan, and Akoko Edo—should be allocated the SSG position.
