Three days to Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state, the political parties particularly the three leaders namely the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) have been on a last-minute rush to woo voters.
The three parties officially ended their open rallies last Saturday in Benin City for the PDP and APC and in Edo North for the LP but they embarked on what is called in local parlance mosquito campaign meeting individuals and groups to win their votes.
A church, the City of Conqueror Ministries International known as the Fortress Centre yesterday held special intercessory prayers for peace and divine intervention during and after the exercise.
It also prayed for the success of the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate Osarodion Ogie Esq.
The convener of the event which had various songs ministrations by various artists including evangelist Palmer Omoruyi at the monthly intercessory prayer and praise service of the Church, Prophet Victor Ativie said the service is to dedicate Edo and Nigeria to God while they all endorsed Ighodalo and prayed for his success.
Ighodalo was represented by his brother who is the President of Trinity House International, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and he appealed to the people of Edo State to vote en mass for the PDP candidate because he has the fear of God in him.
According to Ativie, “This prayer for Edo is a monthly intercessory prayer and it is our duty to pray for our nation, pray for our government so every month we intercede for the state, we want people to be part of the prayer. The state is in a crucial time in our state as we prepare for the coming governorship election and we want to appeal to our president, Bola Tinubu, we want to appeal to all the political parties in Edo State, police and the INEC that we need free, fair and credible election so that we can further deepen the democracy we have. Edo State has made progress in the past seven and a half years and we want a credible election to elect a worthy successor so that there will be peace and prosperity in our land.” He said.
On his part, Itua Ighodalo said the case between him and his brother is like that of Moses and Aaron “while Moses was doing his on one side, Aaron was doing his own on the other side and this has never happened in the history of Nigeria, he has passed through a lot of pressure to run for this office and I see the hand of God in this, Asue is one of the best persons that God has ever created, he is disciplined, he is focused, he is hardworking, he is determined, he is courageous, he is generous, he is kind, he is compassionate, he is not greedy, he is not looking for money, he has done enough to take care of himself, only one wife, even his child is rich so he has no problem other than to serve the people of Edo State.”
Obaseki meets teachers, civil servants
Governor Godwin Obaseki on his party met with teachers through the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and on Tuesday met with civil servants where he emphasized all the goodies they have enjoyed under his administration including regular payment of salaries, rebuilding and renovation of state secretariat, payment of 13th month and urged them to begin to campaign to people as he believed that only Ighodalo would continue from where his administration would stop.
Obaseki took the teachers down memory lane, recalling the times they were disgraced, humiliated, and intimidated by the previous administration, noting that his government has changed the narrative and has continued to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the teachers.
Obaseki said, “How many of you remember in 2016 when they said you should come and do an examination? They humiliated you nationally and internationally. Those who didn’t even go to school humiliating our teachers.
“Here you are today; you are the one still teaching the children today. The children are learning and you have transformed the sector, making the State a learning ground for other States and sub-nationals who are using our EdoBEST programme as a platform to transform their education system. You are rewarded effectively for your contributions to the development of the State.
“It takes two to tangle. As a government, we believe in our teachers and their abilities and we have demonstrated it and we will continue to demonstrate it. Just do your part and leave the rest to us.
Ighodalo’s wife, Ifeyinwa embarks on a roadshow for her husband
The wife of Ighodalo, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo on Tuesday embarked on a road show to garner support for her husband.
The roadshow which kicked off from the National Museum ground, Benin, saw women in large numbers in attendance especially from the Arewa Community in the state and other women from the three local government areas, Oredo, Ikpoba Okha and Egor, respectively.
The roadshow which is likened to a carnival of sorts, saw the governorship candidate’s wife dancing and urging the people of the state to come out en mass to vote for her husband through his popular jingle of “If Asue dey there he go do am, alaghodaro, we not dey go back”.
It drew the attention of the Oba Market women and other passers-by attention, creating an atmosphere of funfair for the people of the state.
One of them, Mrs Philomena Osaro from Oredo Ward 3, said they were going to come out en mass to vote for Asue Ighodalo on the day of the election because he only can govern the state.
Igiebor empowers women, and youths for Okpebholo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Amb. Terry Igiebor gave a grant of N50,000 each to 150 young people and women to empower them and also called on them to vote for the candidate of the APC and his running mate, Hon Dennis Idahosa who he said is their grandson as his mother is from Ugboko in Orhionmwon local government area.
Igiebor said the grant would help those already in business to expand while those who intend to stand small-scale business could start with that.
He said the gesture was also in honour of his late father, Chief Emmanuel Igiebor who he said had unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of the people of Orhionmwon.
He said “Our youths and women are the backbone of our community, and with this grant, I hope to give you a stepping stone to grow, succeed, and bring back prosperity to Orhionmwon.
“Today, I ask you to reflect on the brighter future we can build together. A future where Orhionmwon is not left behind, but instead rises to the forefront of Edo State’s development. This dream can become a reality through the leadership and governance we choose.
“We are at a pivotal moment. Our Deputy Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, is our son. His mother hails from Ugboko here in Orhionmwon, and we must seize this golden opportunity to have one of our own in the government.
“With Rt. Hon. Idahosa as Deputy Governor, we can be sure that Orhionmwon will receive its fair share of the dividends of good governance.
“He understands the unique challenges we face, and he will ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are met.
“By voting for Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor and Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa as his deputy, we are not just casting a vote for APC; we are casting a vote for the progress, peace, and prosperity of Orhionmwon.
APC Deputy National Treasurer mobilizes for Okpebholo
The Deputy National Treasurer of the APC, Hon Omorede Osifo said the candidate of the APC is a more compassionate and competent material for the office of Governor than the PDP alternative.
Osifo, gave this indication on Tuesday during the APC educational grants and women empowerment day programme held in Benin City, the state capital.
Hon. Osifo who said the former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole was a man who brought immense development to the state added that Senator Okpebholo is also a man who shares the character traits with him, so, he should be given the chance to rule the state as governor.
“People say when they see him and Oshiomhole, they say they look alike because of their heights. Oshiomhole did good things and we know that Okpebholo is going to do greater things than Oshiomhole did”.
Hon. Osifo said Edo state at the moment needs a man who is so compassionate and can relate with them and not one who doesn’t care about them.
She however added that, “We are confident because we have a good material. We have a governor who will go out there and he will do wonders.”
Olumide visits riverine areas
The candidate of the LP, Olumide Akpata has been visiting riverine areas in the state to seek votes.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Sam Uruopa who confirmed the move to Vanguard said “The Olumide Akpata Campaign Organisation visited the riverine areas on Monday. That is the first time a candidate is visiting the people and he has shown that he has their interest at heart.
“The welcome by the mammoth crowd was overwhelming and they have also vowed to vote for Akpata. They are tired of the PDP and APC and were happy to welcome him at the jetty.
“The campaign train took off from Gelegele using the speed boat to tour round the riverine communities and the people said they had not seen this before. They said a seating governor had not visited them and yet a candidate is coming to them which shows that the LP is a different party”
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