On Thursday, the All Progressives Congress demanded the resignation of Osarodion Ogie, the Peoples Democratic Party’s running mate for governor. Ogie cannot take salaries and other benefits from the public while running for office, according to the APC.
However, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, stated that Ogie is allowed to remain in office until one month prior to the election.
Ogie’s decision tread”ntinue serving as state chairman is inappropriate and an insult to the good people of Edo State, according to a statement made by Jarrett Tenebe, the APC’s acting state chairman.
He said, “As an unelected public officer, Ogie is given an ultimatum to resign from government forthwith as his continuous stay in office is a clear violation of all known rules of decency and ethics.
“By remaining in office, while posing as running mate in the governorship election, Ogie is also in violation of the public service rules which prohibit a public servant from using public resources to fund private purposes.
“Ogie is currently earning salary and other official benefits as Secretary to the State Government, even while pursuing a private ambition to become deputy governor.
“He is using official vehicles and other government logistics to service his electioneering campaign. This is totally unacceptable and a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“This is the very definition of corruption. No unelected public servant should be allowed to do this. It’s patently wrong and a disservice to the state and the long-suffering people of Edo State.”
But Nehikhare asserted, “They can’t read and their candidate can’t read. They should go and read the electoral law, it says 30 days before the election. it is obvious now the APC cannot read and their candidate cannot read, it is a party of clueless people.”
