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By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

A pressure group, Akoko-Edo Development Association also known as Akoko-Edo Forum has vowed to hold the Deputy Majority Leader (DML) of the House of Representatives, Hon Peter Akpatason on the reasons he gave for seeking a record 4th term in the House of Representatives if he wins hi re-election.

   This position of the association was taken during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate which it tagged “Meet the contestants” where Akpatason said he should be held for his pact with Akoko-Edo people.

   A press statement issued by Mary Opii and Edith Aiyede on behalf of the Forum said the DML promised to complete some projects and bills he has initiated with his fourth term re-election that would make the highest ranking member of the House of Representatives from the South-South geo-political zone. 

   The statement said the session was the first in the series of similar programs the association intends to hold with other candidates from other political parties vying for various positions. It was moderated by Dr Charles Jagun.

    The statement said “Akpatason detailed the key elements of his pact with Akoko-Edo people, including: Ensure presidential assent to the bill and funding of Akoko-Edo School of Mining & Geology, Realization of an Open University study centre in the Constituency, Functional NASENI (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure) Centre, Enhance the ICT Hubs in Ososo and Igarra, Work to see the splitting of Akoko-Edo LGA or, at the minimum creation of four State Assembly constituencies, Work with Akoko-Edo Forum to deploy high-tech security surveillance facilities across the Constituency” among others

   “Members of the Constituency demanded that the pact be sent to the group for the record to ensure that if he succeeded in his reelection bid, this pact would be used as a measure of his performance.”

   Akpatason appreciated the opportunity offered by the Forum to give contestants direct access to constituents across the Constituency and the Forum for filling the considerable gap that hitherto existed in the Constituency.