In a stunning political shakeup, four Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to Governor Godwin Obaseki have resigned from their appointments and dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and non-payment of salaries.

Among those who tendered their resignation is Osayande Emenya, SSA from Ward 06 in Oredo Local Government Area and the PDP’s Organising Secretary. A former youth leader, Emenya lambasted the party for its failure to pay him his SSA salary since his employment. 

He further expressed dismay over the “disappearance of the principles of equity, fairness, and justice” within the party, accusing the PDP of sidelining aboriginal members who have toiled to keep the party alive, despite repeated complaints.

Timothy Edokpolo, SSA from Ward 08 in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, also resigned, blaming the internal crisis that has plagued the PDP. 

He criticised the leadership’s neglect of youths and disregard for democratic principles, which he claims have alienated many supporters.

Similarly, Ukato Osaheni Henry, Financial Secretary of Oredo PDP Ward 06 and SSA to Governor Obaseki, along with Efosa Edo-Osagie Jr., SSA from Ward 06 in Oredo PDP, cited the non-payment of their SSA salaries as the primary reason for their resignation.