What my accusers must do – Oshiomhole

The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole at the weekend tasked those accusing him of plotting to be a godfather in Edo State to provide the proof.

He spoke with State House correspondents on the allegation that he was masterminding the crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly because he wanted to become a godfather and to dictate what happens in the state.

Stressing that he is a democrat, he recalled that he fought against godfatherism to emerge governor in Edo State.
He also said that he would not need short-cut to sustain his position in the system.

He said “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.
“That 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 PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) with Chief Tony Anenih alive, and at his best, I won all the 18 local government areas and I won 95 percent of the total votes cast in my second term election.

“So, Edo people know me and I know them. I don’t need short-cut 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

Speaking on the ongoing crisis over the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly, he said,” 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.

“Even while we are still negotiating to ensure that our party was not divided on the floor of the House, without prejudice to the outcome of those negotiations, the President issued proclamation because he is obliged by the constitution to do so whether he likes it or not and he did.