Edo Governorship: Screening and Prunning Down of 29 Aspirants to 6, in my favour – Clem Agba; Says the March Continues; As APDA drums support for Ex-Minister

By
Oghenahogie Oshoko
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Former minister of State for Budget/National Planning and governorship aspirant in the Edo 2024 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Clem Ikanade Agba has disclosed that he remains a front-runner to clinch the ticket towards emerging as the next governor of the state.

Prince Agba made this known in a statement of assurance to his teeming supporters following the confusion generated by rumours claiming the the six successful and remaining aspirants shortlisted by the APC screening committee of which he is a front runner has been further prunned down.

While clearing the air on speculation that that Edo North senatorial zone had been screened out in the race for the APC guber ticket, he said the issue of zoning of the ticket to any particular zone waa never discussed by the screening committee and never came up in all the party’s deliberation

He insisted that the primary purpose of the committee was to prune down the number of aspirants from twenty nine (29) to six (6) using certain laid down criteria, whoseu outcome turned out to be in his favour as he made the list of final six (6) aspirants approved by the committee.

Consequently, Agba told his supporters, “Do not waver, my friends. Our march to Osadebe Avenue continues undeterred. Together, we shall overcome every challenge and triumph for the betterment of our beloved Edo State. “

Part of the statement he personally signed read, “I am deeply moved by the outpouring of concern and support from our PCA family in light of recent rumors circulating about the pruning committee’s decision on the APC Edo Governorship aspirants.

“There seems to be confusion, but I want to reassure you that the conclusion of the Prof. Julius Ihonvbere led pruning committee was indeed in our favor, placing me among the final six aspirants.

“Let us rewind to the crucial moments that have led us here.

“On Saturday, 13th January 2024, all 26 initial aspirants, including myself, gathered for a meeting where we were informed about the formation of a committee tasked with reducing the number of aspirants.

“Importantly, zoning was explicitly dismissed from the conversation by the Edo State Chapter of APC.

“This commitment to fairness was reiterated in our follow-up meeting with APC’s NWC on Monday, 15th January 2024, where our aspirant count had grown to 29.

“The pruning process unfolded on Monday, 15th, and Tuesday, 16th January 2024, culminating in my interview with the committee on Tuesday, where I proudly represented each and every one of you.

“The culmination of our collective efforts was revealed on January 19th, 2024, when the Edo State leaders presented the Prof. Julius Ihonvbere led committee’s report, reducing the aspirant list to six based on some comprehensive criteria.

“While the Prof. Julius Ihonvbere led committee members have returned to their respective locations, there is no indication of any further committee to investigate the list.

“I implore the PCA family to disregard any contrary news circulating and stand steadfast in our shared commitment.

“Do not waver, my friends. Our march to Osadebe Avenue continues undeterred. Together, we shall overcome every challenge and triumph for the betterment of our beloved Edo State.
With unwavering gratitude.”

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In the same vein, the Afemai Peoples Descendants Association (APDA), a Social Political Organization from Edo North Senatorial District has thrown its weight behind the nomination of Prince Clem Agba in the forthcoming All Progressive Congress Primaries for Edo State Governorship election.
In a press statement released at Auchi, the President, SHC (Dr) Kennedy Izuagbe and the General secretary Mr Lucky Anyia disclosed that Edo people deserve to have someone like Prince Clem Agba as Governor of Edo State not only because of his grassroots affiliation but due to his proven abilities in infrastructure deliverables
The Group described Price Clem Agba as a people oriented politician who believes in the wellbeing of the people whenever the opportunity to serve is given adding that, “This he has demonstrated over the years”.
APDA buttressed this fact, from the days he was Commissioner of Enviroment in the Administration of Comrade Adams Oshomhole, saying, “his giant developmental strides remain indelible in the sand of times. His organizational abilities in the execution of infrastructural development is top notch”.
“Then the icing on the cake came for the people of Edo state when he was appointed as a Minister of the Federal republic of Nigeria. His sterling performance as a Hon Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was so evident that President Mohammed Buhari bestowed on him the prestigious award of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).
“Like a gold fish, his impact on bringing government closer to the people had no hiding place. He so touched the lives of rural and city dwellers that the United Nations found him worthy to bestow on him the champion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) award first of its kind in Nigeria.
“Even the South Korean Government was not left out in the recognition of this champion for development of the rural dwellers as the President of the Republic of South Korea equally bestowed on him the Award of the Order of Diplomatic Service’.
The Statement further said, ”Prince Clem Agba’s opening up of rural roads across the three senatorial districts in Edo state is a testament of his belief in development of the people of Edo State.
“Such a man deserves the support of all and sundry so that he can further bring governance closer to the people”.
“We in Afemai Peoples Descendant Association strongly believe that when Prince Clem Agba gets nominated to fly the flag of APC in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, his wealth of experience will be brought to bear on the governance of Edo State.”
The statement further said that, “Considering his background of being raised at Auchi in Edo north, schooled at Bendel State University now Ambrose University, Ekpoma Edo Central and married from Benin, Edo South, he is a true son of Edo state who truly knows the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Edo state.
“He will be a leader who understands the challenges that will be on ground for his people.
The Group described Prince Clem Agba as a man who is well connected internationally having successfully managed the Procurement and Logistics supply chain of Chevron International in Kazakhstan and other foreign countries during his excellent and unblemished career at Chevron.
“These are connections which Edo State will benefit from immensely”.
“Based on these verifiable facts, We in Afemai Peoples Descendants Association call on the Edo State members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to support and nominate Prince clem Agba.”

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