By Lucky Isibor,
Honourable Anthony Aziegbemin has emerged as the chairman, Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He scored 813 votes to defeat Hon. Felix Imoisili who polled 488 votes in a kieen contest which started at about 4pm on Saturday, March 14, and ran through the night having both Engr. Friday Okah and Hon. Sylvanus Eruanga scoring zero vote.
Honourable Anthony Aziegbemin is a two term former member of the House of Representatives who represented Esan South-East/ Esan North-East federal constituency between 1999 and 2007.
For the position of state secretary, Hillary Otsu polled 739 votes to defeat Omololu Ojiehomon who scored 275 votes while Henry Ola Ekundayo scored zero. Harrison Omagbon scored 722 votes to defeat Emmanuel Ogbomon who polled 234 votes for the position of deputy chairman.
The incumbent publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare was returned after polling 631 votes to defeat Avenrenren Osareren who scored 136 votes.
Others who were elected are Bishop Okosun, Vice-chairman, Edo Central, Barr. Nosakhare Ogieva-Okunbor, Vice-chairman Edo South and Hon Tunde Saiki-Vice Chairman, North.
Also elected were Benjamin Ehilenboadiaye, Treasurer, Tony Anenih Jr., Organising Secretary, Mr.Fidelis Igenegbale-State Financial and Mrs. Lidslay Tes Soare, State woman leader.
Others are Mr. Esene -Legal Adviser, Barr Paul Itua-Asst Legal Advser(Central) Mrs. Josephine Aisabor- state Ex-officio-Igueben and Anthony Okonigene-state Ex-officio, Esan Central.
The returning officer of the congress, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, announced the winners of the election that lasted all night till Sunday morning.
Speaking shortly after the result was declared, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Omoregie Ogbiede-Ihama, described the congress as positive development for the country and appealed to other contestants to work together to rescue Edo State.
“I call on other contestants to join hands with the new chairman and work together to rescue the state in the forth-coming governorship election,” he said.
Also speaking, the state publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare said the PDP is one family under a big umbrella noting that all the members are interested in the development of the party. He assured Edo People of the party’s readiness to rescue Edo State.
“All we are interested in is the development of PDP. The party is going to seat down to draw a strategy on how to move forward and we’re going to do this faster and be more people oriented in our focus.”
