By Habiba Ibrahim–Sam
Members of the Forum of Political Appointees, Edo State, 2008 – 2016, said their patient for Edo state government to respond to the none payment of their allowances and severance gratuities from 2008 – 2016, is fast running out , thereby threatening actions that could affect the State APC in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the group, HON ALH Aminu Umoru,former Legislative leader of Etsako East local Government council and the immediate past SSA to former governor of Edo state,comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole on community matter, said the actions may include withdrawal of support for the government of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, none participation in the forth coming general elections, mass protest, court action etc.
He also said that the Political and Public Officers Emolument Law is very clear on the matter and so, they see no reason why the government of Edo State should withhold such payments due to them since they left office in 2016. According to the ex-political appointee, “the most annoying thing is that some of our colleagues were paid 50% of their furniture allowance, some paid their severance gratuity in full while the majority of us are yet to be paid anything”.
The group appealed to Governor Obaseki to pay all their entitlements now in order to avoid unnecessary show down with the State government and the ruling party, especially as the general elections draws near.
The forum has over five hundred members across the State.
