Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor, Edo State.
* Oshiomhole dangles carrot
By Kingsley Abavo in Benin
The Edo State Government has endorsed the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates; Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa in the Governorship election of 21 September, 2024.
The deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu on behalf of the State Government congratulated the APC and its candidates on Tuesday, 8 October, 2024 during a rally the Party held in Benin to thank the people of the South zone for their support and votes.
The South senatorial zone of Edo State comprises seven local Government Council Areas and the most populated; about 57.54 percent of the entire population of the State.
Shaibu addressing the gathering said : “… Before I say thank you, I want to officially on behalf of the Edo State Government congratulate the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.”
This is as the former Governor, and senator representing Edo north senatorial zone; comrade Adams Oshiomhole appealed, that the APC should be magnanimous in victory and accept as many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) returnee who would want to come back to the Party.
“… As believers, forgive those who have erred and even those who suffered collateral damage.
“…Once God has given us victory, we have no right to be angry with anyone. If God has fought the battle, who are you to continue to grumble?
“So, I ask us, in the spirit of this celebration if you see those who voted for the PDP, hug them. And if you are privileged, kiss them and extend the hand of fellowship to them.
“For us the APC, it is time to do the job; the Governor-elect and the deputy Governor-elect are ready to hit the ground running!
“After wasting eight years, you will understand why we cannot afford to waste even one more second.
“So, let us show love, let us show friendship and let us rebuild unity.
“As we speak, many members of the other parties particularly the People Democratic Party (PDP); they are willing to return home! And if you allow me; I will ask you and ask us to receive everybody back.”
The former Governor of the State however added; “the only person we cannot take back, is the one with serious incurable political leprosy!
“We will keep him away so that the leprosy is not spread amongst us; but for those who have not yet been contaminated, who were misled; remember, democracy is a game of numbers!
“To those ones, we offer our hands of fellowship! To the cantankerous leprous ones whose tenure expires about four weeks from now; and I will mention his name; Godwin Onogheghase Obaseki, that one is gone, and gone!
“So even when they say God is a forgiving God, he still created hell that will be inhabited by those who committed sin and God will not forgive; otherwise, there would have been no hell; so that guy is on his way to political hell!
“But for any other person, make we forgive na?
“Let’s preach love, preach unity, togetherness and above all, the promise of development across the length and breadth of our great State.”
It should be noted that as Oshiomhole dangles the carrot to the opposition to come over to the APC, the PDP and its candidates are already in the tribunal challenging the outcome of the 21 September, 2024 Governorship election.
Even as they on a daily basis mobilises members and supporters to protest on the streets of Benin demanding; the umpire, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) must do a revision of the results announced, and give victory to the PDP.
As the results were manipulated against them in favour of the APC by INEC and aided by the Police, they alleged.
While also speaking at the APC thank you rally, the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo recalled the ovation that usually greets Oshiomhole everywhere the Party visited during the campaign.
Hence he realised, that working for the people pays; a pathway he has chosen to walk when formally sworn into office, he said.
“I am promising you; that I am going to work for Edo people, I have nothing to thank everybody with than to work for you!”
But the deputy Governor-elect, Dennis Idahosa in his address however alleged: “I am aware that the PDP have asked the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen of Edo State to mobilise them with the sum of N5m each to hire women to be protesting in the streets.
“The money meant for the development of the different localities, they are using it for evil!
“But let me quickly warn the local Government Council Chairmen; every single kobo, you are going to show… you can do whatever you like now, but the judgement day is coming!
“Two weeks from now, Obaseki will be on his way to Lagos; and you will answer for everything you have done. It is time to repent; if they ask you for money, tell them there is no money; the money meant for each local Government is to develop the locality!”
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