By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – FORMER Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Pally Iriase has declined his membership of the National Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) released on Wednesday.

Iriase’s name had appeared as a member of the Campaign Council but a statement released by Praise late Friday said he was not consulted before he was included in the team and that he has since announced his stepping aside from politics.

The statement reads “My attention has been drawn to the fact that my name is included in the list of appointees into the National Campaign Council for the gubernatorial election in Edo State by the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“I appreciate the National Working Committee (NWC) for finding me worthy of the appointment.

“But, I hereby reject the appointment for the following reasons:

“I was never consulted.

“I have for several years stepped away from partisan politics and I do not intend to change my mind.

“I do not want my associates, friends, admirers, and family to see me as a hypocrite.

“While wishing them a successful campaign and a peaceful election, I strongly urge everyone to respect my desire to be excluded from partisan politics.”