Reason behind Edo state commissioner defection to PDP

Edo State Commissioner for Investment and Public/Private Partnership Denis Idahosa defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the weekend to pre-empt his removal from the State Executive Council by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, it was learnt yesterday.

Sources said that the commissioner has been under investigation by an administrative panel, following various petitions against him by stakeholders.

Oshiomhole, who has been inundated with complaints about Idahosa’s activities, gave the committee the mandate to investigate the complaints to clear the name of his administration and reiterate its commitment to transparency, probity and due process.

At a PDP rally in Ovia Local Government Area, the commissioner, who was received into the party by the Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, explained that he defected from the APC because of the incessant abuse of President Goodluck Jonathan by the governor.

He claimed some commissioners will still follow suit ahead of the general elections.

The commissioner also promised to mobilise for the president’s re-election bid in Edo State.

However, a source disclosed that Idahosa jumped ship to avoid being sacked from the cabinet by the governor, who was infuriated by the findings of the committee.

A source said, “The commissioner was being investigated by the government. Many have complained about his activities in their petitions. You know, the commissioner was in Canada before.

“The governor set up an administrative committee to investigate him and when the report came, he was not happy about the findings.

“Besides, the commissioner is also being investigated by the anti-graft agency over the petition. His new party, the PDP, is also aware of the investigation. He may have decided to seek refuge in the PDP. The Nation Reports.