By Simon Ebegbulem

THE Prince Olagusoye Oyinlola led peace committee sent to Edo State by the national leadership of the party, met with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend to find a lasting solution to the problem confronting the party in the state ahead the governorship election.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu and other leaders were all at the meeting. Though journalists were barred from covering the peace meeting, Vanguard nevertheless learnt that Governor Oshiomhole accused supporters of the Deputy Governor of sponsored attacks on his person.

It was learnt that the governor gave a detailed account of the root cause of the crisis and asserted that despite the fact that loyalists of his deputy were creating the impression that they may lose the state if the crisis is not resolved, he dismissed such fears, saying that he was prepared to lead another onslaught against the PDP.

Oshiomhole was said to have told his deputy that he had been riding on his back politically and that the impression being created that without him, Odubu, they will lose the state was false. He stressed the fact that without his name, Oshiomhole and performance in office none of the aspirants in the APC would contemplate running for governorship. He also wondered why he should be accused of supporting Godwin Obaseki which according to him was his right.

Hearing from all  stakeholders

•Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chairman of the fact-finding and reconciliation committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, during a visit to the governor.

Speaking to journalists, Prince Oyinlola said “My belief until I came was that nobody had done anything to surpass the achievements of Samuel Ogbemudia. That was my belief, and when I said so, and I kept hearing from all stakeholders that nobody has done what Comrade has done in this state. I asked the question, ‘you mean his achievements have surpassed that of Ogbemudia?’ They told me that it was Ogbemudia himself that said so. And that gladdened my heart.

“If we have a performing Governor who has done so much credit to our party, why then do we not want to continue with this kind or this trend of achievements by making sure that we go into battle united and deliver Edo State to APC. It is the only state that is under our control in the South-South zone, and it is an open secret that some of the governors in other states of the South-South have gone to do a meeting on how to wrest power from us in Edo State. Our good Lord will not allow that to happen.”

Noting the general clamour for a level playing ground from aspirants and all stakeholders, he said: “All of them are talking about a level playing ground, and I said, yes, there is no any other sensor that we have on the ground both from the Governor and from the National Chairman of the party; we must allow a level playing ground. So, be rest assured that that is what is going to happen.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the state chapter of the party, Mr. Anselm Ojezua said the APC Peace Committee from Abuja was in the state to bring peace to the party. “They have come to Edo State in search of peace. So, on this note, I want to welcome you, Mr. Chairman and your distinguished members. I believe at this stage; you have a fair idea of the situation in Edo State. I am also very happy that a member of your team in making his comments has observed that things are not as bad as they seem and that in matters like this, there is nothing without solutions.”