Edo North lobbies for Chief of staff to Obaseki,

By DADA AYOKHAI 

Though Governor Godwin Obaseki has shelved the reconstitution of his cabinet till February next year, intense lobbying for inclusion by various interest groups have commenced in earnest.

: Various interest groups and stakeholders are laying claims to sensitive positions in the yet to be constituted cabinet, with leaders of Edo North senatorial district staking their claim to the position of Chief of Staff, CoS, to the governor

 Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo North are in the forefront of the lobby for the retention of the CoS slot, previously occupied by Mr Taiwo Akerele, from Akoko Edo axis of the district.

 Governor Obaseki had dissolved his cabinet on the eve of his inauguration for a second term. He thanked the commissioners, aides and special assistants for their loyalty and service to the state.

 After his swearing in ceremony, Gov Obaseki did not waste time in announcing the reappointment of Mr Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the State Government, SSG, while deferring other appointments.

The former CoS, Mr Taiwo Akerele voluntarily resigned his appointment at the peak of Obaseki's reelection bid and pitched his tent with the governors estranged political godfather and former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomole.

 Akerele's exit paved the way for the appointment of someone from Edo South, in a deft move to consolidate his hold on power. The last occupant of the office was still in office when the state Exco was dissolved

The then cabinet before dissolution has  Edo South, otherwise known in local parlance as Bini, occupying  three plum positions namely, SSG,  Governor and CoS respectively, thus giving vent to the clamour for balance and equity

However, Edo North PDP leaders are hopefuls the governor would accede to their demands, stressing that a return to the status quo would not only engender unity but also erase whatever feelings of lopsidedness that may exist