Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
….Says He Is Not A Godfather To Anyone
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that he is not godfather to anyone and does not need shortcut to remain politically relevant.
Oshiomhole stated this at the weekend while responding to questions bordering to the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly.
The APC National Chairman is being accused of being behind crisis in the Edo Assembly.
The 7th Assembly was inaugurated on June 17 after nine members, out of 24, elected Frank Okiye as Speaker.
Oshiomhole and his governor, Godwin Obaseki is working at cross purposes on the leadership crisis in Edo Assembly.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Oshiomhole said those accusing him should come out with evidence or remain silent.
Oshiomhole rhetorically asked, “What is the evidence? It’s all about accusation. The media has a duty. They have to give you the particulars of that godfatherism. What’s the evidence? I am a democrat.”
The National Chairman said he retains the credit of being one of Nigeria’s politicians who has fought strongly against the issue of godfatherism.
He said: “I accept the credit, not only that I fought godfatherism, I launched the ‘one man one vote’ campaign to fight against election rigging anywhere in Nigeria and, by the special grace of God, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with (Chief Tony) Anenih alive, and at his best, I won all the 18 local government areas and I won 95 per cent of the total votes cast in my second term election.
“So, Edo people know me and I know them. I don’t need shortcut to sustain my position in the system. But you know that there is nobody in Nigeria who is not open to accusations. The important thing is that he who accuses should give you proof,” he added.
Oshiomhole said what is happening in the State Assembly was gross abuse of the rule of law.
“It’s about rule of law. As journalists, there are questions you don’t need to ask me because you know the answer. You know the law provides for how the House should be proclaimed transparently.
“The day it’s announced, members-elect are informed of date and time for inauguration. These are clearly spelt out in the Nigerian constitution. And just last week (about two weeks ago), you were all witnesses to how President Muhammadu Buhari issued proclamation letter to the Clerk many days before, stating date and time of the inauguration of the two chambers of the National Assembly.
