A group in Benin, The Coalition of Benin Youth Groups, has given the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to within 48 hours withdraw the appointment of Barrister Andrew Adaze Emwanta for, among many reasons, having “no respect and love for the Benin people and the Benin Traditional Council.”
In a statement made by Osaghae Collins Amadin, President of the National Union of Edo South Youth and Ambassador Eghosa Curtis Ugbo, President, Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) Worldwide, the Coalition referred to the comment ascribed to the Commissioner in the course of the debate on the return of Benin stolen artefacts.
He was quoted as saying: “I owe no one my loyalty not even the Oba of Benin but only Governor Godwin Obaseki.”
He was also quoted as been openly antagonistic of the appointment of a Benin man as chairman of the NDDC(Niger Delta Development Commission) Board “even after the senate confirmation of Dr. Pius Odubu(a Benin son) and others.”
Going forward, the Coalition said: “Andrew Adaze Emwanta cannot be our commissioner as this will be seen as an attempt by Edo State Government to undermine the people of Benin Kingdom.
“We, the Benin youths, reject Andrew Adaze Emwanta and will be forced to staging a five thousand Edo youth protest which may last for one full week.
“Andrew Adaze Emwanta must go on his knees before the Oba and retract all that he said during the struggle of the return of the artefacts. We also doubt his said loyalty to the Governor as we are very sure when another government comes in he will also change his said loyalty.”
