THE year started on a mixed note. Unlike the previous year, when protests against government's tax policies were rife, 2011 had less of that, an indication that the people may have adjusted to the new system, apparently due to government's rigid position.The year started with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducting primaries to pick candidates for the national and state Assemblies. There was no governorship election in the state; it is due in July 2012.As expected, the primary elections of both parties generated bad blood as some alleged that the processes were not transparent enough.This was more pronounced in the ACN, as some members frowned at the emergence of former PDP members, who lately defected to the ACN, as party candidates. For instance, the three senatorial candidates of the ACN; Domingo Obende (Edo North), Herbetta Okonofua (Central) and Ehigie Uzamere (South), all defected to the ACN few months prior to the primaries.This led to defections from the ACN with former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie leading others, like Matthew Uroghide and Tunde Lakoju, both senatorial aspirants from Edo South and North out of the party.But the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole and the leadership of the party tried frantically to pacify aggrieved members, which was successful in Edo North and South, but failed in the Central. This led to the ACN performing woefully in the area.In the other two senatorial districts (North and South), the ACN recorded 100 per cent success.Just few weeks before the election, a chieftain of the ACN and Chairman of the state Taskforce on Pipeline Vandalism, Osakpanwan Eriyo was expelled from the party over alleged attack on Prince Ekpen Erediauwa.The PDP had a dose of serious crisis after the general election over ministerial nominees. Just when the PDP was recovering, two of its prominent members; the state publicity secretary, Nosa Adams and a member of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), Henry Idahagbon and their supporters left in quick succession. The two former PDP chieftains are now members of Oshiomhole's cabinet.The PDP had its local government and state congresses during the year, where new leaders emerged to prepare the party for the July 14 2012 governorship election.Shortly after this, there was a flurry of declarations by members for the party's ticket, to confront the comrade governor.Major General, Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), veteran journalist, Jacob Idinye, former governor, Professor Oserheiemen Osunbor, former Presidential Aide, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Ken Imasuagbon and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen have all declared.The government of the ACN has continued its massive construction works across the state, working on roads, hospitals and schools across the three senatorial districts.In the course of the year, Oshiomhole got a nod for re-election, first from traditional rulers across the state and then various interest groups, including students, traders, retirees and many other groups.
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