Edo State Govt. Sacks Perm Sec Over Clash Of APC, PDP Rallies Same Day

Edo State Government yesterday averted what would
have led to a bloody clash between the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the use of the
Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and wife of Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, were billed to address
political rallies at the stadium on Saturday, March 14,
same time(Read HERE if you missed it).
The mix-up, which reportedly emanated from the
state Ministry of Youth and Sports, yesterday claimed
its first casualty, following the compulsory retirement
of its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Samuel Obaze
Uhunmwangho from service by Governor Adams
Oshiomhole.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the gov­
ernor, Peter Okhiria, however, said Uhunmwangho
was retired "allegedly for withholding information
crucial to the interest of the government and the
general public".
The Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, had while
briefing journalists yesterday, announced that Mrs.
Jonathan would visit the Oba's Palace before
proceeding to the stadium to address women and
party faithful.
He displayed a letter from the state government ap­
proving the use of the stadium for the PDP rally,
saying the party has paid N1,050,000 to the State
Internal Revenue Services for the use of the stadium.
"We shall receive the First Lady at the stadium. We
have concluded all plans to give her a wonderful
reception. She has been a pillar of support to Mr.
President," Orbih said.
Reacting to the development, the state government
said the mix-up was occasioned by the alleged laxity
of the officials of the ministry's who, without
reference to their supervisors, proceeded to collect
money and issue a receipt on Tuesday to PDP for use
of the stadium.The Commissioner for Information
and Orientation, Louis Odion, said the ministry's
officials were aware that the APC had last week
applied and received approval for the use of same
facility this Saturday."In fact, jingles were already
running on local television and radio stations
announcing that the wife of APC presidential
candidate would be in Benin that day to deliver the
message of change to Edo women.

"For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that be­
ing the owner of the said facility, Edo State
Government reserves the right to insist that the party
that got approval first would use the stadium.
"But we are civilized people. In deference to the office
of the First Lady of Nigeria, Comrade Adams Oshiom­
hole has graciously directed that Mrs. Jonathan have
her day on Saturday, while the wife of the APC
presidential candidate will have her turn another
day", Odion said.