Matthew Emiohe, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central Senatorial District, speaks with Special Correspondent, TITUS OISE, on the challenges facing the party and why it must put its house in order before the 2016 governorship election in the state.
APC preparation ahead 2016 governorship election, especially in Edo Central
You all know that next year is governorship election in the state, and by now we expect that all the aspirants should have been let loose to sell themselves to the people so that they can be assessed. But I understand that it is not possible because of the embargo placed on political activities in the state. This will not augur well for the party. In the United States (U.S.), the election is in November 2016 and all the aspirants are busy campaigning. Why are we not campaigning here? Why should the governor stop them from showcasing themselves? Is there going to be any imposition? That will not be allowed. They should be allowed to campaign. I don’t believe in zoning. When we know the aspirants, we will now choose from one of them.
Campaign at this point distracting Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration
I don’t know how that would cause the governor any distraction. Are you saying President Barack Obama is being distracted with the campaign by the Republican and Democratic parties’ aspirants? It is the party that should set the guideline for political activities. I am surprised that the party has not come out to do that in Edo. Election is not far away; we should be seen working towards ensuring victory for our dear party. The aspirants themselves should not tie their destiny to the governor, but should be able to create their own identity. Whoever is waiting that the governor should sponsor him may fail because the governor has his own baggage. Whoever wants to be governor should be bold enough to come out and campaign.
Going outside party’s guideline amounting to anti-party activity?
The party has not come out to say people should not campaign. So it cannot be said to be anti-party activity, unless you are saying it is anti-governor and the governor is not the party. After every election is preparation for another election. People can start to campaign towards the next four years. There is no law on that.
Government policies, like the Land Use Charge, recent increase in Ambrose Alli University school fees, affecting the fortunes of APC
Well, there are some government policies that are very necessary. The public may not understand them initially, while some may appear to be punitive in nature. What actually angers the people is the non-payment of salaries, especially in my local government area where people are owed about three months’ salary arrears. With that situation, you don’t expect the people to be happy. These are some of the things that will make the people vote for us or not. People are not happy with the APC, if we must tell ourselves the truth.
In the last election, Edo was a sure bet for APC; but we lost the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Was it because of Oshiomhole, President Muhammadu Buhari or the party? People are not happy with the APC. If Buhari had not won the presidential election, Edo would have been a PDP state today. It was because of Buhari’s victory that we were able to win the House of Assembly election, and not because of Oshiomhole. Buhari won and changed the equation. I don’t know why people are afraid to say the truth. The only way to put things right at this moment is for the leaders to sit down and tell the governor the truth. If we allow things to continue the way they are, PDP will just capitalise on the situation and take over the state.
Agitation by Edo Central to produce the governor in 2016
I am an Esan man and I want an Esan man to be governor. I also think about the possibility; but right now we don’t have the type of leader that will bring everybody together. The only prominent leader that is at the forefront of the agitation is Francis Inegbeneki; but no other person is coming out to support his cause. We have a lot of qualified people. Former governor Oserheimen Osunbor is there, Ken Imasuagbon is there and has a very good structure. But I am afraid if it is going to be possible because of the lack of unity among Esan leaders.
Edo Central considered PDP-dominated area
In 2012, we won in the five local government areas that constitute Edo Central despite that the PDP is on the ground here. In the first term, people saw what Oshiomhole was doing and voted for him overwhelmingly; but I am afraid if the voting pattern will go the same way in the 2016 governorship. I am just being objective because I represent my people and I know the feeling of my people. Any politician that means well for the party should be able to say the truth no matter the odds because I speak the mind of my people.
What kind of successor are you expecting to take over from Oshiomhole?
No doubt, Oshiomhole has done some good work in Edo State. We need the kind of man that will come and do more work; someone that has Oshiomhole’s character, someone that can represent Edo and make Oshiomhole proud.
Advice for Nigerians on Buhari’s administration
I think we should give the President time to do what he promised to do for Nigerians. I think in the next few months, Nigerians will begin to see the desired changes. The only aspect I was a bit worried about then was the long wait for him to put his cabinet in place. I think he had his reasons. I am confident that with the calibre of people he has as ministers, change is here.
PDP’s allegation that Buhari’s anti-corruption war is targeted at the opposition
PDP will always say anything and that is their trademark. What has the President done? Is Bukola Saraki (Senate President) not an APC chieftain? The President cannot just wake up and start arresting people. There is an agency that is saddled with such responsibility. I think all these agencies are now up to their responsibilities because we have a president that represents change. That is why we are seeing more action. There are no more sacred cows. Does it matter who is arrested for corruption?