The Owan Advocacy Forum for Equity and Fairness in the Distribution of Political Positions in Edo State humbly calls on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC to consider a person from Owan extraction for the position of Minister in the incoming cabinet of Senator Bola Almed Tinubu come May 29, 2023.
The Forum made this call shortly after their meeting held recently in Benin City, the State capital.
According to the spokesman for the Forum, Dr. Sunny Gavin Daudu, who is a Legal Practitioner and a Notary Public for Nigeria, stated that the call became imperative in view of the fact that since 1999, no Owan person has been appointed a Minister.
Dr. Daudu further stated that the Esan people of Edo State have produced four Ministers, starting from the late Chief Tony Anenih of blessed memory, Sen. Odion Ugbesia, Arc Mike Onolemenmen and one other.
According to the spokes man, the Binis of Edo South have equally produced at least three Ministers in the likes of Chief Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Godwin Abbey Rtr and a serving minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.
Edo North has only produced one minister, Chief Clem Agba from Etsako. The spokes person also believes that the next minister should be zoned to Edo North to start with, in order to make the ministers from Edo North two, as against the four and three slots already held by Edo Central and Edo South respectively.
The position of minister having been zoned to Edo North, it is the Forum believe that it should be micro zoned to Owan Federal Constituency.
This the Forum believed would be in line with the principles of fairness, equity and justice.
Noting that from the results of the just concluded general elections, Edo North Senatorial District contributed over 70% of the total votes received by the party from Edo State.
Therefore it is the Forum position that Edo North Senatorial District deserved the ministerial slot to Edo State.
*JUSTIFICATION FOR OWAN TO PRODUCED THE NEXT MINISTER FROM EDO STATE*.
The spokes person for the Forum, Dr Daudu further posited that despite being the 4th largest tribe in Edo State, the Owan people are yet to produce a Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker House of Assembly, Ambassador and Minister.
The Forum believes that it is only fair and just this time around to support an Owan Man for the position of minister representing Edo State in the incoming Federal Executive Council.
The Forum also commended one of their illustrious son and the Senator Elect representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his leadership style, which the Forum believes have promoted the political cohesion, understanding, cooperation and harmony being currently enjoyed in the Edo North Senatorial District