Group asks Oshiomhole to explain relationship with Igbinedion

Uchechukwu Olisah,Benin City - 18.02.2008

The Edo Integrity Group has called on the Edo State Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate in the April 2007 election, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, to explain his relationship with the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

The group said Oshiomhole’s explanation was necessary in view of the visit by some members of the AC to Enugu in solidarity with the former governor who was standing trial at a Federal High Court, Enugu, for alleged looting of state’s treasury while in office.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Kadiri and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Benin City, the group added that the solidarity shown Igbinedion by some members of the AC confirmed reports that Oshiomhole was a beneficiary of the alleged stolen funds for which Igbinedion was facing prosecution.

But Comrade Oshiomhole had said in an interview that “a lot of characters peddling these rumours have no form of pedigree. They know nothing about me. The truth is that the PDP are truly shocked how I was able to provide for my election.”

The group said of Oshiomhole: “We hold Adams Oshiomhole in high esteem and have remained with him in his struggle throughout his campaign period and even now at the election petition tribunal. We are, however, surprised and compelled to call the former labour leader to answer questions bordering on integrity with this relationship with Chief Lucky Igbinedion.”

The group then asked, “Did Adams Oshiomhole collect money from Chief Lucky Igbinedion for his campaign? Was his party, Action Congress, on a solidarity visit to Chief Lucky Igbinedion in Enugu instead of the PDP? What is his relationship with the former governor?”