Ovia North-East Group Protests Alleged Imposition of Non-Indigene for Council Chairmanship



From Chris Akhabue, Edo 

A group known as Concerned Ovia North-East People on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the premises of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in what it described as an attempt to impose a non-indigene as chairman of the Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

The protesters specifically urged the governor to prevail on Chief Lucky Imasuen, a one time Deputy Governor of Edo State, to immediately halt what they alleged is the imposition of Mr. Christopher Eriamatoe for the position of executive chairman of the council.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the spokesperson for the group, Hon. Lugard Iyennoma, condemned the move, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fairness and local representation.

In a protest letter addressed to the governor, the group appealed for his urgent intervention.

“We write to respectfully seek your urgent intervention regarding moves by Chief Lucky Imasuen to foist Mr. Christopher Eriamatoe on the people as the Executive Chairman of Ovia North-East Local Government Area,” the letter read.

According to the group, Eriamatoe is neither an indigene of the local government area nor a member of their political party, raising concerns about his suitability for the position.

They further alleged that Eriamatoe had previously worked against the party in the election that produced the current governor, serving as a media aide to former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

The protesters argued that imposing a candidate who is not an indigene of the area would sideline legitimate party stakeholders and qualified local aspirants, while also undermining unity within the local government.

“Ovia North-East is blessed with capable and qualified individuals. Imposing an outsider on the people because of personal or maternal affiliations is embarrassing and undermines the spirit of local representation which Your Excellency has consistently advocated,” the statement said.

The group also noted that ward leaders and youths in the local government had already expressed concerns over the development, warning that such a move could erode public confidence in the fairness of the government’s political processes in the area.

They therefore called on the governor and party leadership to halt the alleged nomination and ensure that only bona fide and verified party members who are indigenes of Ovia North-East are considered for the position.

The group also requested a meeting with the governor and party leaders within seven days to discuss the matter and chart a way forward.

“We respectfully request that this nomination be halted until qualified indigenes of Ovia North-East are transparently considered for the position,” the group stated.


Responding, Chief Lucky Imasuen through a telephone conversation objected to the claim stressing that he would address the press in due course. 

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