Ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has declared that “only the best is good enough for Edo State”, stressing: “On no account should the people allow fraudsters to become their leaders.”
Obaseki made the assertion when the Peoples Democratic Party stormed Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government on Saturday.
Obaseki added: “We don’t want to be taken back by some incompetent people.
“In fact, we have no reason to go back.
“So, vote for PDP, vote Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie.”
Addressing the mammoth crowd, who defied the rain at the Iguobazuwa Township Stadium, Obaseki assured them that their votes would count and that they should go out and vote for the PDP.
He said the government established the College of Agriculture to ensure that the children from the area are educated and not to be dropouts who engage in fraudulent activities.
He said the government established the Okomu Oil Company and Rubber Plantation because of the need to provide jobs and that many more will be established under the administration of Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the party.
With that, he raised the hands of Ighodalo to a rapturous applause.
In his speech, Ighodalo thanked the people and reminded them that for three years he was a director in Okomu Oil and facilitated the employment of many sons of the soil to very top positions.
He, therefore, declared that he is a son of the land by extension.
He promised to do more as the governor of the state for Ovia South West Local Government Area.
He attacked the notion that only “a home boy” can govern Edo State.
He said there are many people who were born in their father’s houses but turned out to be bad children, growing up to be touts and fraudsters. He urged the people to reject them.
Speaking earlier, Chief Francis Inegbeneki told the gathering that he has a message from the people of Esanland to the people of Ovia South West.
He told them that Ighodalo is the consensus candidate of the Esan people.
He stated that he was carefully scrutinised and he met all the criteria set for the position.
Inegbeneki said “the other man”, in apparent reference to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, “is on his own”.
He declared that the people of Esan sent Okpebholo to the Senate, but he has failed so far, but is now trying to be governor “when he should be repeating the class.
“Well, nobody sent him.
“He is on his own.”
Both the party’s local government chairman and the executive chairman, Egubor Ijeke and Engr. Edosa Enoweghowena respectively, thanked the governor and promised that the people of Ovia South West would deliver the PDP at the election.
The highpoint of the rally was when over 300 members of the APC and Labour Party defected to the PDP.
They were led by M. Asimi, aka Malawi, for the APC and Ehis Edobor for the LP.
Also, two popular Edo State born Nollywood stars, Nosa Rex and Etinosa, both endorsed the Asue/Ogie ticket.
From there, the campaign train then headed off to Okada in Ovia North East.
The Secretariat Open Field venue of the rally at Okada was like a carnival as the people defied the rain.
Hon. Lucy Omagbon, former Council Chairman, welcomed the former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and the state governor and his entourage.
She thanked the people for defying the rain.
Omagbon urged the people to vote PDP with an umbrella as the symbol.
She said Ighodalo will not fail Edo people because he has proven track records.
Igbinedion said: “PDP is the only party still standing since 1999, and we in Ovia are PDP.
“No shaking and I assure you come 21 September, PDP will take the day.
“I want your voice to be loud with votes on that day because Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie are a good combination.
“For us to move forward in our state, we need Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie to lead.”
Speaking at Okada, Obaseki said he is supporting an Esan candidate because of the need to create unity in the state.
He also said another important reason is because he is sure of the capacity of Ighodalo and Ogie to continue with his many laudable programmes and because “dem bi men wey sabi”.
Ighodalo assured the people that he would not disappoint them.
He noted that they stayed in the rain because they attach so much importance to the election.
He urged them not to bring shame to the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who he described as a lover of education for establishing both reputable secondary and university institutions.
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He said they should also not bring shame to former governor Igbinedion.
Former Senator Ehigie Uzamere said Adams Oshiomhole is Edo State people’s only common enemy.
Uzamere said the people must vote against Oshiomhole and his party.
He thanked Obaseki for zoning the slot to Edo Central Senatorial District, adding that Oshiomole and others don’t love Esan people, but Obaseki does.
He said the combination of Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie is a perfect one that can sustain the development in Edo State and improve on it.
