A socio-political group under the aegis of Akoko-Edo and Owan Alliance has canvassed support for the former National President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Honourable Peter Akpatason, to be given the responsibility to deputise the speaker of the House of Representatives.
The group noted that for nothing, the Akoko-Edo representatives in the Green Chamber and currently the Deputy Majority leader of the House, is no longer a stranger to the politics of the National Assembly (NASS) as a fourth timer.
The convener of the group, Mr Sunny Ifijen and his Secretary, Omeiza Ugumah, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin.
The statement noted that it was time that the former NUPENG boss is compensated for his loyalty to the party, in addition to been from the minority area of Edo State that have remained faithful to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the years.
It explained that Akpatason had during the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency, shun all forms of pressure to defect to the then ruling party.
The group said not only has Akpatason contributed to the growth and development of the party in Akoko-Edo, Edo State and the country in general over the years, he has been instrumental to stabilising the polity in Nigeria.
According to the statement, “Ordinarily, this is not something that we should have brought to publis domain as the leadership of the APC and specifically the Mr President-Elect is not unaware of Akpatason’s contributions to the party.
“But just want to say that it is high time that his consistency and loyalty was rewarded and we feel the best way to go is with the Deputy Speaker position of the soon to be inaugurated 10th assembly.
“Aside individual contributions to the growth of our dear party, Edo State have also remained faithful to the APC. We are all familiar with the roles and contributions of Adams Oshiomhole and Pally Iriase to the party.
“Let it be known that we are not alone on this position, the people of Edo State are into this project as well as the people of Akoko-Edo and Owan who incidentally are the most marginalised local government areas in Edo North where Akpatason hails from.
“Whatever nomenclature they want to ascribe it, whether compensation or reward for loyalty, Akpatason and Edo state deserved support of the leadership of the APC and other elected members of the House of Representative.”
