Ahead of the 21 September Governorship election in Edo State, 192 councillors have vowed to support the PDP candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, just as they passed a vote of confidence on Governor Godwin Obaseki for prompt payment of their salaries, allowances and the provision of vehicles for legislative leaders.
The endorsement and commendation by the 192 councillors across the state came in response to a publication by All Progressives Congress (APC), Deputy Chairman, Media and Publicity, Etsako East LGA, Mr Agbukor Lucky, who reported that the 192 Edo Councillors are nursing grievances against Governor Obaseki over unpaid salaries and allowances and have thus resolved to work against the PDP candidate.
Dismissing the allegations as misleading, disgraceful and a direct attack on democracy, the leaders of the various legislative councils across the state unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Governor Obaseki, describing him as a great performer and an unusual leader who has made the welfare of councillors across the state his top priority.
The Leader of the Etsako East Local Government Legislative Arm (Edo North), Solomon Oguma alongside the Legislative leader from lgueben local government council (Edo Central), Mr Augustine Oleleayegbele, Ovia North East Local Government Area (Edo South), legislative leader, Omoruyi Igbinake, Owan East legislative leader (Edo North), Aikhodion Joshua Braih, and others, who spoke at an emergency meeting by the Legislative leaders in Agenebode, yesterday, described Agbukor’s claim as fake news designed to mislead the public.
In their separate reactions, Mr Oghuma described Governor Obaseki “as the best governor who gave vehicles to all legislative leaders across each local government at a time when no one expected it”.
Also, Mr Oleleayegbele, who described the APC as jokers, said: “We have no reason to vote against Asue Ighodalo because he has espoused his manifesto and is engaging meaningfully with Edo people”.
On his part, Mr Omoruyi Igbinake described the allegations as a “bloody lie and disgraceful”, and a sign of the APC’s desperation and frustration. ”Even in our dreams, we will vote for Asue Ighodalo”, he said.
In Akoko-Edo, the legislative leader, dismissed the allegations as a lie from the pit of hell. APC is confused”.
In a communique by the Chief Press Secretary of the Etsako East Local Government Council, Mr Benjamin Atu, Councillors unanimously denied “the reckless and misleading publication” just as they accused the APC of moves to cause confusion and a breakdown of law and order in the state.
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Police to investigate the intent of the author, saying “the author of the aforementioned publication has consciously and clearly shown contempt for the legislators and should be arrested for it”.
They expressed confidence that Asue Ighodalo’s victory “would humble the Edo State APC and make them spectators in the September Governorship election. “We are completely behind Asue Ighodalo and will deliver victory for him in all of our wards and units. Governor Godwin Obaseki is the best thing that has ever happened to Edo State, and we remain committed to him”.
They maintained that “Edo electorates are not looking for a Governor who is deaf and mute who would succumb to the bidding of godfathers but one who is proactive and responsive to make Edo a progressive and prosperous. The Edo APC should be more concerned about their clueless candidate, the state of the nation and the hardship and underdevelopment that have characterised their reign rather than seeking how to under-develop Edo State”.
