By Adeyinka Adedeji
A former governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said the All Progressives Congress is not a rehabilitation centre for failed, disgruntled and disloyal politicians.
Oshiomhole was reacting to the news making the rounds that Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, was getting set to rejoin the APC after falling out with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The senator who spoke in Benin on Thursday during a condolence visit to the family of the late Esogban of Benin kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, also said he had not seen where a court passed judgement based on suspicion.
He said, “About somebody going to court to complain based on suspicion that he was about to be impeached by the state House of Assembly, I don’t know how court adjudicates over suspicion.
“I hear someone is trying to run to the APC. Let me say this, the APC is not a rehabilitation centre for failed politicians.
Those of us in APC are satisfied the way we are; we are happy to be in opposition. I want to say we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. I want to say no to IDP in the APC,” he added.
He advised political office holders to be loyal to their principal, noting that he can never support disloyalty.
He added: “My advice is, those who are having challenges should learn how to respect their bosses. I also advise people that anybody you work with, be loyal.
“Many of you will attest to the fact that my deputy was interested in succeeding me when I was the governor, but I didn’t support him and he didn’t take me to court. And if there are people whose sole aim is to profit from crisis, such persons cannot get my support.”
On Shaibu’s bid to succeed Obaseki, Oshiomhole said: “It would be nice if my clan produce the next governor of Edo State, but Nigeria doesn’t work that way. Based on the principle of fairness, it would be good for other zones to produce the next governor of the state.”