The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ighodalo

  • ‘Obidients’ assure Ighodalo of support

    ‘Obidients’ assure Ighodalo of support

    A socio-political support group, Obidients for Asue Ighodalo, has assured the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 poll, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, of support.

    It said it would mobilise over 150,000 votes to support his election.

    The group declared its support at a symposium held on Airport Road, Benin City.

    It affirmed its support for Ighodalo, on the basis of his capacity, competence, track record, integrity, intellect and commitment to good governance.

    In his welcome address, the Co-convener of Obidients for Asue Ighodalo, Austin Isikhuemen, expressed appreciation to members of the group in attendance, describing them as lovers of good governance.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges sacrifice, love at Eid-el-Kabir

    He said the Obidients are a group of individuals that grew from supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in the last presidential election, adding that they support individuals with integrity, competence and reputable character into elective offices and not political parties, as Obi has said Obidients are not domiciled in any political party.

    Other guests at the symposium include: Edo State Deputy Governor, Godwins Marvelous Omobayo; Edo State Commissioner for Art and Culture, Dr. Uyi Malaika, and the Director General of the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Matthew Idueyekemwen.

  • Edo guber: Hoodlums vandalise PDP’s Ighodalo’s billboards in major cities

    Edo guber: Hoodlums vandalise PDP’s Ighodalo’s billboards in major cities

    Residents in Benin City woke up on Sunday morning to find widespread defacement and vandalism of billboards belonging to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate.

    Billboards at key intersections, including Asoro bus stop, UNIBEN Ekenwan Campus, Agboma junction on Ekenwan road, and Akenzuwa after the stadium road junction, were found damaged, as confirmed by eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence reviewed by this reporter.

    A member of the PDP’s media directorate in the Edo State campaign council, who preferred not to be named, revealed that the vandalism has been ongoing for months, ever since Ighodalo won the PDP primary election in February.

    The source said: “They have been damaging Dr. Asue’s billboards since immediately after he won the PDP Primaries in February, but the man is very calm. They are even destroying cars with AI stickers around Upper Sakponba. When we wanted to shout to the press he told us to report to the relevant authorities and replace the billboards. Even now we have been told not to react so we do not heat the polity.”

    Read Also: I won’t fail Edo, my vision very clear, Ighodalo assures 

    The source, who declined to name any suspects, stated: “We have our suspicions but mentioning names will just heighten tensions in the state. We have reported this to the authorities. Let them investigate and bring the culprits to book.”

    It was gathered that Ighodalo, who chose not to comment directly on the vandalism, stated: “I’m on the campaign trail my brother. Let us talk when I get back to town. My singular focus is on how to move the largest amount of Edolites into prosperity. All these other things are distractions. Let me again appeal to everyone – candidates and supporters – not to destroy our state and institutions because of politics.”

    The Edo State governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024.

  • I won’t fail Edo, my vision very clear, Ighodalo assures 

    I won’t fail Edo, my vision very clear, Ighodalo assures 

    The People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo has promised not to fail Edo residents if elected. 

    He spoke on Saturday at Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area when a popular chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Musa Isiwele,  a former Deputy Commissioner of Police and former National President of the Road Transport Employees Association (RTEAN), led over 3,000 others to join the ruling PDP. 

    Ighodalo promised not to fail Edo Edo people, assuring the teeming crowd that he has a clear vision of what to do to lift Edo State to a first world sub-national in the country.

    “I want to promise all of you gathered here today that I will not fail nor let Edo State down. Our vision is clear, what we want to achieve is clear. Edo State is well blessed with human and natural resources. 

    “The vision is to make Edo State a first world sub-national in Nigeria and a state that all of you would be proud of to. All your state and which our people in the Diaspora would eagerly want to come back home to. It is doable by the grace of God and the goodwill of our people,” he said. 

    Party chieftains, including elder statesman, Chief Tom Ikimi; Edo PDP Chairman, Chief Anthony Aziegbemin; the Director General of the PDP State Campaign Council, Chief Matthew Iduoriyemkewen; Sen. Odion Ugbesia and his brother Akhere Ugbesia; Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Maria Edeko; Esan North East Local Government Executive Chairman, Dr Kelly Inedegbor; Esan South East Local Government Chairman, Hon Louis Imhandegbelo and popular cleric and brother of the PDP governorship candidate, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo witnessed the deflection. 

    Isiwele pledged he and the followers will work hard, campaign and vote for Ighodalo come September 21. 

    Read Also: Propaganda, lies against Ighodalo won’t work-Edo Majority Leader 

    Prominent members of the PDP Legacy Group and the Anenihs declared Esan North East Local Government ‘locked down for PDP’. 

    The Chief Imam of Uromi recounted how John Yakubu supported the Muslim community in the town and thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for the support they continued to receive from him, saying they would thank him by encouraging their people to vote for PDP and Ighodalo.

    Chants of “ It’s all over , It’s all over “ filled the air as supporters considered the coming election a forgone conclusion.

  • Ighodalo more than ready to lead Edo – Majority Leader

    Ighodalo more than ready to lead Edo – Majority Leader

    Majority Leader of Edo Assembly Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, a lawyer of over two decades, represents Ovia North East 1. In this interview with a select group of journalists, the lawmaker from Ekiadolor bares his mind on the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State, asserting that Dr Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the party will win the election as he is a “fine pikin wey everybody wan carry” by virtue of his vision, competence, capacity, character and compassion. Excerpts:

    How would you describe the ongoing campaign by your party and the candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo?

    The campaign as instituted by the Asue Ighodalo Campaign Organisation is on course and it has been issue-based through and through. This for me, is a very refreshing development because it is the first time we are seeing it in the political firmament as far as Edo State is concerned. We as a party members, I mean loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have a lot to say positively and so have downplayed completely any negative campaign. All our efforts towards convincing our people about the candidacy of Dr Asue Ighodalo and the Deputy Governorship candidate, Barr Osarodion Ogie, have all been hinged on positivity and the knowledge of the problems our state is facing and how to have them fixed. The theme of all the messages is that ‘We can do it and we are ready to do it’. In local parlance we say ‘E go do am’. And surely, we can because we in the PDP have the resources and the competence.

    The opposition say your candidate is not a ‘home boy’. Would you say your candidate enjoys wide acceptability to be able to win the election?

    Absolutely! He enjoys wide acceptability and we in the PDP are not surprised. We have a saying in this part of the world that “Pikin wey fine, na everybody wan carry am.”

    Asue Ighodalo na fine pikin and Edo State people are now carrying him. You can see the conviviality, the warmth, happiness and reception everywhere he goes to. This is a man they said is not a ‘Home Boy’; he doesn’t stay in Benin, he doesn’t know buka and all the lies and propaganda. Today it is not only him knowing the bukas oo. I tell you, all the bukas now know him. Everywhere you go it is Asue Ighodalo, Asue Ighodalo, Asue Ighodalo. His popularity is topnotch. And his acceptability is something else. If you go out there now, all the Keke Napep the other time were carrying LP logo, but now all of them are carrying PDP and Ighodalo’s logo. That’s how we measure it here, unlike other places. If we are not going to win, you will know. Like the other time, I knew we were not going to win. You go out nobody is talking about your party and you give people caps, they will tactically refuse it, in your face oooo. This time they are the ones asking you, “Oga una no do cap?” That is to tell you they are buying into it.

    Then our people in the diaspora are for him. If you want to know who will win it is the people in the Diaspora, they are the ones that will drive it first. And look at what is happening in the Diaspora, all the different groups, it is Asue Ighodalo everywhere because he is the only one that has shown competence, capacity and preparedness for the job. They don’t want people who will go and “keep animals in museums”. They don’t want people that are “creating boreholes”. They want the person who understands today’s socio-economic reality and who has a roadmap towards getting it done. The person who can prioritize infrastructure; that has capacity to push development and the person who can appreciate the agrarian advantage we have in Edo to drive industrialization. These things are possible and are on the table already, because Governor Obaseki has laid the foundation. Take a look at the oil palm production which has now made Edo State the number one palm district in Nigeria. So, we are not talking about people whose only mantra is how they will make the leaders in their party happy. We are enlightened people who know what  is right from what is wrong. And for this election, the right  person is Dr Asue Ighodalo.

    So, what would you say set Ighodalo apart from the rest candidates?

    A lot, my brother, a lot indeed.  First, Asue Ighodalo has voluntarily submitted to the Edo people and Nigerians generally, for thorough scrutiny, his birth, including his family, growth, work experience to where he is today. First, let’s talk about his pedigree. His father, Jeremiah Ighodalo, was a trail blazer. In his time, education was not something people know so much about. But he dared it. At a time when people don’t care about education. All you do is grow up in the village, farm and marry, but he left his comfort zone in Ewhohimi just like Asue Ighodalo is leaving his comfort zone in Lagos today because of his compassion for his people. Pa Jeremiah left Ewhohimi and came to Benin and started as a clerk and followed that line to become one of the best in his career to the extent he had to go to England to study for the purpose of specialisation, he did in accounting as at that time. And for you to know the passion, the vision and the royalty that drives him, the man did not entertain any fear in his heart in approaching a Princess of the Ife extraction in the UK. He boldly approached a student leader in the UK and one of the most outspoken female voices you hear about in the Nigerian community as at that time, who then fell in love with a Prince from Ewhohimi and they got married and the product of that union is our amiable Dr Asue Ighodalo. In that regard, you must appreciate the combination of the quality of royal blood combining in one man. So, when you talk about the excellence of the quality you find in Asue Ighodalo, would it have been less? He had some of the best education. 

    He went to the best primary school, he went to King’s College when the place was really King’s College, though it is still King’s College and he made Upper Class. From there to the University of Ibadan where he read Economics. He then proceeded to the London School of Economics to do Law. Thereafter he went to the Nigerian Law School. Can you see the growth of this man? Then he started off in practice, combining Law and Economics, which is Corporate and Commercial Law.  He was actually one of the pioneers in that field just like his father was one of the pioneer chartered accountants. You see this first, first thing has actually been in the family. The mother was the first female Permanent Secretary in Nigeria. The child of the elephant is never weak. Only the best is good enough for the offspring of the Lion.

    Read Also: Edo: Shuaibu loses bid to void Ighodalo’s candidacy

    Just a minute, please, Ighodalo doesn’t suffer from inferiority complex, so he doesn’t attack people. You see  others anytime you give them the microphone the first thing they talk about is Asue. It is a complex problem. I sympathise with them because it is it not an easy task facing a man like Asue, who bestrides the narrow world like a Colossus. They are contesting against an intellectual giant, a social gatherer, a legal juggernaut, a man who in a short space of time has become the political rally point. A man with huge social and emotional capital, who is attached to you not minding your class or background. He is a unifier of sorts. So, the issue as we are pursuing it is about a man whose time has come. Everything about his growth prepared him for today. He values integrity and that is what has given him the opportunity to head and lead so many blue chip organisations. His words are his bounds and he has never been associated with any scandal.

    The Opposition says he is not a politician. Can you vouch that he is prepared for the job?

    Ighodalo has shown by the conduct of his campaign that he is prepared for this job. He is a workaholic, a man that inconveniences himself for the general good.   And he has been doing that with grace. You will never see Dr Asue Ighodalo snap. He will always take everything in his stride, happy with himself, happy with the fact that he has attained that status called the Philosopher King. A man who has learning, compassion and the proper disposition. To crown it all, as the people of ancient city state of Sparta would say, he is also “athletic”. He takes time to take care of his body. That goes to show that he is a man who is deliberate about his life. Nothing happens to him by accident. Everything is meticulously planned, step by step. So, that is the type of character we need as a governor to build a super structure on top of the very solid foundation that our amiable Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has done in Edo State.

  • You are not alone, Ighodalo sympathises with victims of Edo flash flood

    You are not alone, Ighodalo sympathises with victims of Edo flash flood

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship poll in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has expressed sympathised with victims of the recent flash flood in the state, particularly in Benin GRA.

    In a statement on Sunday, Ighodalo urged all those affected to understand that he feels their pain and anguish deeply and shares in their suffering. 

    He also encouraged them not to despair but to continue exhibiting the spirit of perseverance for which the average Edo man and woman is renowned.

    “I wish to express my profound sympathy with all the victims of the recent flash flood in our dear state, particularly in Benin GRA. Seeing those clips filled me with deep pain in my heart. I sincerely share your pain and anguish, the sense of material loss, and the mental torture or trauma.

    “It is a pity that as humans, we are like helpless pawns in the hands of nature. Man has no known armor or defense against natural disasters like this. 

    “So, at a time like this, the most plausible thing to do is dig deep into the depth of our being and exhibit that spirit of perseverance, fortitude, and strength for which the average Edo man and woman is renowned. Let us remain calm, stoic, and hopeful. You are not alone. We are all with you,” he said. 

    Ighodalo assured that the quest for a lasting solution that will stand the test of time is underway to address the perennial devastation caused by such flash floods in well-known areas of the capital city. He also acknowledged that the state government has taken measures to bring immediate relief to the victims.

    He cautioned politicians to be wary of rushing to politicize everything, especially natural tragedies like flash floods.

    “Rest assured that in no distant time, a permanent solution that will end this perennial devastation will be put in place. I am happy that the state government has quickly moved in to ensure palliative measures to arrest the level of misery and pain. Again, accept my sympathy,” he stated..

  • Ighodalo outlines vision for Edo at Esan Diaspora engagement

    Ighodalo outlines vision for Edo at Esan Diaspora engagement

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, on Saturday night dazzled like a million stars as a guest Speaker at the 3rd Annual Convention of the Esan Peoples Congress (EPC), in Austin, Texas, USA.

    Ighodalo, who delivered his speech via Zoom, held the audience spellbound with his presentation titled: ‘The Value of Participation of Nigerians in Diaspora in Nigerian Political Affairs.’

    While commending all the participants for the “clear demonstration of your love of motherland, a love we all share and about which I am very passionate,” Ighodalo tendered his unreserved apologies for the inability to be present physically. 

    He was, however, grateful that “technology has come to the rescue and I could not be happier or more proud at this rare opportunity to address such an august body.” He went on to describe his topic as “crucial and timely,” just as it was “weighty and important.”

    Ighodalo asserted that “Nigerian diaspora remains one of the most vibrant in the world and represents a vast reservoir of skill, experience, and capital. Across the globe, brilliant hardworking Nigerians are making significant contributions to sectors as varied as medicine, information technology, academia, and finance,” and that it has “a pivotal role to play in the political landscape of Nigeria.”

    He noted: “The diaspora has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through remittances that surpass foreign direct investment and aid, the potential to influence positive political changes remains largely untapped. In an era where governance and transparency are at the forefront of our national discourse, your involvement in shaping policy and political dialogue is more crucial than ever.”

    Among other things, Ighodalo argued that “By engaging in policy advocacy, capacity building and development, we can leverage the diaspora’s exposure to global best practices, to influence reforms in governance, economic management, and public service delivery in Edo State. This could be done by way of think tanks and advisory boards as a platform to articulate and advocate for policies beneficial to both our state and its global citizens.”

    He insisted: “This can be achieved through training, mentorship programs, and by creating platforms that facilitate the exchange of ideas. Their global exposure and professional networks would enable them to introduce best practices and successful models from around the world, adapting them to fit local contexts. Moreover, these advisory boards could very effectively act as trusted liaisons between the government and international organisations, facilitating partnerships and attracting foreign investments.”

    Unveiling his vision for the state, Ighodalo declared that, “Here in our beloved Edo State, the vision I hold for our future is deeply interconnected with the values we admire in our diaspora community. My administration’s vision to transform Edo State into a first-world economy is not just an aspiration but a detailed roadmap titled the ‘Pathway to Prosperity for All in Edo.’ This plan is designed to leverage the very qualities that have made you, our diaspora, successful on the global stage.”

    Read Also: Ighodalo more qualified to lead Edo– Hon Asekhame, AIM Coordinator

    He added: “The ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ initiative seeks to embody the principles of diligence, creativity, and resilience that are prevalent in our diaspora. By creating an environment where these traits are not only welcomed but also fundamentally integrated into our governance model, we aim to deepen the foundational reforms of the last several years to catapult our state into unprecedented economic growth and social development.”

    Ighodalo listed the key strategic initiatives to include: Security, Growing Our Economy, Innovation and Technology, Education and Skill Development, Infrastructure Development, Healthcare Reform and Good Governance and Transparency.

    He declared: “Together, these initiatives form a cohesive strategy aimed at transforming Edo State into a model of prosperity and good governance, driven by innovation, education, infrastructure, healthcare, and transparency. This holistic approach promises not only to enhance the economic and social fabric of our state but also to ensure that the benefits of development are shared equitably among all Edo citizens.

    “Permit me to quote here from the remarks I made at my declaration earlier this year in Benin, and I quote: ‘Today, I can tell you that I see a pathway to prosperity for our people and our dear state. I see a path to lifting the highest number of people into prosperity by implementing the most comprehensive social welfare program ever witnessed in south-south Nigeria. I see a path to making Edo State the safest state to live and work. I see a path to educating primary and secondary school children and preparing them for the world of work so that they become assets that employers of labour from all around the world will compete to employ. I see a path to funding and building the road networks that will open up our state and support the transition of our state economy from a third-world economy to a first-world economy’.”

    Ighodalo then invited the august participants to join him in realising his vision for Edo State, saying “Come with me as we embark on this ambitious journey to transform Edo State, your involvement, inspired by your successes abroad, is not just desired but essential. The pathway we envision is paved with the values you uphold, the integrity you embody, and the excellence you pursue.

    “I call on all of you therefore to let us join hands to build an Edo State that we can all be proud of, an Edo State that stands as a model of prosperity and good governance, mirroring the very essence of the Nigerian spirit that thrives across the world,” Ighodalo declared.

    During the question and answer session moderated by Barr. Chris Ekoh of Ekoh Law Firm, Houston, Ighodalo dealt succinctly with all the questions ranging from Benin-Auchi Road to security to dealing with corruption and infrastructure to the admiration of all the participants who ended the zoom appearance with a loud and sustained applause.

  • Ighodalo more qualified to lead Edo– Hon Asekhame, AIM Coordinator

    Ighodalo more qualified to lead Edo– Hon Asekhame, AIM Coordinator

    ·Hon Dan Asekhame is the Founder and Coordinator of the Asue Ighodalo Movement (AIM), one of the many support groups working for the election of Dr Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the next Edo Governor. In this interview with a select group of journalists, the two-time  Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, addressed vital questions relating to the coming election. Excerpts:

    In setting up this support group, what exactly was your focus or goal?

    To do a house to house campaign and to also focus seriously on new voters, that is those who have not been registered before. We want to try and focus on them and ensure they come out to register enmasse and also to try and see what we can do to increase the votes of Asue Ighodalo by organizing our people and talking to them in a door-to-door campaign and street-to-street campaign. Our major focus is to ensure we sensitize people, make sure they come out to register now that the Continuous Voters Registration will start on the 27 and vote for Dr Asue Ighodalo come September 21.

    Why are you supporting Asue Ighodalo. Why do you think Ighodalo is the man for the job?

    Without being told, if you look at the political set up as it is now in the state in terms of those who are contesting, Asue Ighodalo stands out. I mean without mincing words or any iota of doubt, he is way taller than the others in all aspects. Just by listening to them, you cannot compare any of the other candidates with Asue Ighodalo. He has the experience, he is well exposed. He is somebody who has the capacity to manage the economy of Edo State. We must not hand over our economy to people who are novice to handle. He is someone who has handled very big organisations, who has been able to direct big institutions successfully. Just look at his antecedents and pedigree, everywhere he has been, it has been success stories. So, there is no doubt that he is better by far for the job at stake. I have been with him, he is a very cordial person, very friendly, very calculating and a visionary. If we give him the mantle, I know he will turn the state around. He will be able to continue the good work of Governor Godwin Obaseki. He is somebody with the requisite capacity to lead our state, and that is without doubt. I repeat, without doubt. So, if I have the interest of the state at heart, I believe that I should throw my weight behind the person that will be able to handle the economy and make it work for all. 

    You said just now that Ighodalo will continue the good works of Governor Obaseki. The opposition is latching on that expression to say Edo people should not vote for Ighodalo. How would you react to that?

    Those people who read and interpret our statements like that are deaf and dumb people. These are people who don’t know anything that is going on in the state. If they are not blind and they can see and use their eyes, they would be able to see what Governor Obaseki has done. Look at the state now, look at the ministries, everywhere shining, people happy, everybody working, you don’t work for government now and stay at home, you must be at your work place to clock in and clock out, look at roads, look at the whole place, Upper Adesua, everywhere in the state is opened, all done by Governor Obaseki, look at loan schemes everywhere for traders assisting people to build their businesses and managing our economy and preventing people from dipping their hands into government coffers to grab our money. Big projects and a planned 30 year development vision for the state. These are the pictures I see, Obaseki has done very well. Today, there is decorum and orderliness in the state and all that. If you want to know how Edo State is, drive out of your house in the morning between 8 and 9, you will see the calmness of the state. So, anybody who comes around to say that whoever is coming to build on what Obaseki has done is making a mistake, then that person is blind.  Yes, I will use that word, it means that person is blind and doesn’t know what he is talking about. That person is actually the enemy of the state. We want somebody who will build on what Governor Obaseki has done. I repeat it, we want somebody who will build on what Obaseki has done. That is continuity.

    Aren’t you worried about the opposition, especially by the All Progressives Congress (APC)?

    No, they are making a joke of themselves. The last one they brought out where their candidate went to one waterlogged area and was saying that “no vehicle can pass here now”, meanwhile as he was talking, a vehicle, an Audi 80 was passing, right there in the video, and he is opening his mouth to say no vehicle can pass. And he said he is an intelligent man? A low car is passing, and you are saying “we have to park our cars so we can use leg cross,” and you are driving a jeep and claiming no vehicle can pass here. You are not yet a governor and you are already lying to the people.  A car is passing, and you are opening your mouth to say no car can pass. That alone tells you the quality of the person APC has presented and wants to be the governor of Edo State. See, there is nothing to say about them. As far as we are concerned, he is not a contestant in this election. Like I said before, let me repeat, they will be the first people to vote for Asue Ighodalo. How do you expect that candidate to become the governor of Edo State? Are we jesters? Are we blind people? Are we going back to where we are coming from? So, any negative campaign against Asue Ighodalo by APC is just a campaign of calumny orchestrated by comedians and jesters. They are comedians, beginning from the party chairman to the candidate of the party to the deputy candidate, they are all comedians. So, when we want to relax and laugh, we go to their platform and laugh.

    Read Also: Tinubu administration prioritises youth development – Akume

    It has been alleged that the APC would deploy Federal might to win the election. Are you not worried?*

    See, that is what they are saying, and that is why they are not working. We are working day and night, up and down trying to convince the people to vote because we believe in voting and counting of votes. They are not doing anything, and relying on Federal might. I am not afraid of Federal might. ‘Federal might’ cannot come and change election results in Edo State. Tinubu will not do that. When he contested his own election in Lagos State, he didn’t not win. They had a sitting governor, and they had the money and the influence in his own election but he didn’t win, yet President Tinubu didn’t use ‘Federal might’. So, is it Edo State that they want to come and change the result? I know they will not raise a finger to help APC to change the results in Edo State or rig election. If you heard him saying “I want Edo State, I want to claim Edo State”, he is only trying to persuade the people to come and work but they are not working. They are waiting for him to bring the Electoral Officer that they will give money to and tell him to change the result. Not in this town! Not in 2024, we’re ready for anything, nobody can change any result. The hand you want to use to write the fake result, we will cut the hand off. We will give you a short sleeve in place of a long sleeve just the way it was done in Liberia. Do you want to rig the election in Edo State? No, now! Asue Ighodalo is on the street 24/7, our people are visiting markets, organizing rallies and going round the state, you are planning to rig the election, not here. Nothing like that will happen. We will go to any level to resist it.

    What do you have to say about the clamour for Justice, Equity and Fairness (JEF)? Do you see Olumide Akpata going far?*

    We are one family in Edo State and we have said it is the turn of Esan people, even if there are only two candidates, we have said it is the turn of Esan people. Edo South has done it, Edo North has done it, only Esan that is left.  Olumide does not even have the capacity to go far and so he can’t win. His coming out from Edo South is a big setback for him. He may be able to convince a few people but Edo South people are saying let it go to Esan people this time around. All he will benefit from this election is that because it is his first time, it will help to create awareness for him so that next time he comes out he will not be a new face. And LP, I must tell you is a party that is open to other parties. We go there to harvest people. PDP will go there and take some, APC will go there and take some.  That is how we have been doing it.

    If you were to advise Edo people ahead of the governorship election, what would you be telling them?*

    I will tell them that this is not the time to vote for a governor who will be waiting for leaders before taking a decision. The people are more than the leaders, and we need a governor who will prioritize the people above the leaders. They have heard what the APC candidate said. They have heard what Asue Ighodalo said. APC candidate said he will be waiting for leaders and it is what the leaders say that he would do. Asue has come to tell you that look, I want to work, I want to develop Edo State, I want to bring development and prosperity, I want to create employment and look into the welfare of the people. So, they are two different categories and on two different wavelengths.  This is 2024 for crying out loud. We want a governor who will not wait for leaders to tell him what to do before he knows what to do. So, I will appeal to Edo people to please vote for Asue Ighodalo. He has the capacity, you have heard him talk, and he is the person who has Edo State and the development of this place at heart. I am not saying that he is not going to respect leaders or disrespect leaders but prioritizing leaders above the people is not in his agenda. I will appeal to them to vote for Asue, he will surprise Edo people. The man works very hard and he has the experience, clout and knowledge of economics to turn the state around.

    Are you not worried that members of the Legacy PDP are reluctant to work with your candidate?

      Looking at the issue of the Legacy PDP, in any family when one person is aggrieved, we look for a means to bring everybody to the round table to thrash it out. Injury to one is injury to all. So we are still appealing to the Legacy people to let us work together. Now, Obaseki is not on the ballot, what brought the anger is past now, so let us come together and work hard to deliver Asue. There are so many opportunities open to the party once Asue wins. I don’t want what happened before to happen again. Let us all come together to build Edo State. We don’t want a divided house. Up till now we are still appealing to them and we will continue to appeal to them. We want Chief Dan Orbih and others. So I appeal to Legacy, please come on board and join us.

    As the CVR begins next week, what is your advice to the people?

    Like I told you before our cardinal programme is to sensitise new people to register and vote. If you look at the state, most people who know the importance of elections don’t come out to vote. They are afraid of violence and thugs. But the last time they came out to vote they changed the narrative and I will be appealing to them to come out again this time. They know the difference between the two candidates. They should just sacrifice the two hours of that Election Day to vote. AS for the CVR, I appeal to everybody, go out early to register if you don’t have a voter’s card or lost it or it is damaged. Look for it now, know where it is, and keep it well. The exercise is just for 10 days, so we must not miss it.

  • Edo PFN, CAN endorse Ighodalo as Gov candidate

    Edo PFN, CAN endorse Ighodalo as Gov candidate

    The Edo chapters of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have endorsed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie.

    The endorsement and prayer for their victory took place during the PFN’s 2024 Edo State School of Ministry at the PCU-PFN administrative headquarters by Egba Junction along the Benin-Auchi Road.

    The event with the theme: “Walking in Dominion,” was attended by over 100 ministers from various ministries.

    Edo PFN Chairman, Pastor Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Agbonifo, expressed the Christian body’s delight in having Ighodalo and his running mate present with them,.

    She said: “We have no single doubt that they are the best pair for the top job in the state.”

    She added a humorous note, recounting how another candidate had approached them with a promise of a Coaster bus but delivered a Sienna, likening it to “a man promising to give a cow but delivered a goat” to which the gathering roared in laughter.

    Read Also; Tinubu’s intervention made 2024 Hajj possible, says NAHCON Chairman

    She wondered if a man who made a promise before God and failed would ever honour any promise he could have made to man.

    Edo First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, who represented Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed gratitude for the Church’s immense support for her husband in 2016 and 2020, and its extension to the PDP candidate.

    “I correct the sacrilege committed by the other candidate by donating the Coaster bus, because we value the church and hold it in very high esteem,” she said.

    Edo CAN Chairman, Apostle General, Dr. Irekpono Omoike, announced the endorsement and led the outpouring of prophetic prayers for the success and victory of Ighodalo and his running mate.

    In his acceptance speech punctuated with intermittent applause and shouts of approval, Ighodalo expressed profound gratitude to the Church.

    He said: “I am really humbled by the trust and confidence reposed on me. And I promise you, I won’t disappoint you or let you down.” He hinted at plans to build an Ecumenical Centre in Edo State and institute an Edo Thanksgiving Day, and pledged to provide a 100KVA generator to power the PFN administrative centre.

    “I wish to say this, too, that Edo State, like some other states, should have an Ecumenical Centre as a further step to fostering unity within the Christian faith in Edo State and we will ensure everybody has the freedom to practice and observe his faith without let or hindrance .More also, we will institute an Edo Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside in the year to thank God for everything”.

    Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House Church, Lagos, who is the younger brother of the candidate, emphasised that the election in September transcends partisan contest and that it is essentially a contest between the forces of light and darkness in Edo State.

    He said that anyone who had come across his brother would know that he represents light and that he would light up Edo State.

    He pledged to donate N5 million towards fuel for the 100KVA generator promised by his brother.

  • Ighodalo: I didn’t sponsor Shaibu’s impeachment

    Ighodalo: I didn’t sponsor Shaibu’s impeachment

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, yesterday said he did not sponsor the impeachment of Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
    Shaibu, a former member of the House of Representatives, ex-president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and former majority leader of Edo House of Assembly, was impeached by members of the House on April 8 over allegations of perjury and disclosure of the state government’s secrets.
    The removed deputy governor, speaking last Saturday at Ogbona country home of the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, in Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State, during PDP’s Legacy Coalition Edo North leaders’ and stakeholders’ meeting, alleged that Ighodalo sponsored his impeachment.

    Read Also: SPDC 6.73bb reserves: NUPRC begins divestment due diligence


    Ighodalo’s media team, in a statement, however, described Shaibu’s allegation as false, saying it was fabricated to tarnish the image of the Edo PDP standard-bearer ahead of the election.
    The team said: “While we will not usually take issues, in response to every passing comment, it has become imperative to address the allegation by Shaibu.
    “It is necessary for the record to state that Dr. Ighodalo had no role or involvement in any form whatsoever in the public process leading to Shaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office by Edo State House of Assembly.
    “The claims are without merit, and Dr. Ighodalo categorically denies any such involvement. The allegations are a clear attempt to unjustly tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the actual issues at hand.
    “We urge the public and the media to regard the false statements with well-deserved skepticism.”
    Ighodalo’s media team said Edo PDP’s standard-bearer remained focused on running a governorship campaign based on issues, and devoid of distractions.

  • I’ve no hands in Shaibu’s impeachment, says Ighodalo

    I’ve no hands in Shaibu’s impeachment, says Ighodalo

    Edo Peoples Democratic Party Governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo has denied instigating or funding the impeachment of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. 

    He was reacting to a statement at the weekend by Shaibu blaming him for his impeachment by the Edo Assembly. 

    In a statement on Monday by His media office, Ighodalo said: “While we would not usually join issues in response to every passing comment, it has become imperative to address the recent spurious allegations by former Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu,  

    Read Also: Edo guber: I won’t be bullied out of race, says Philip Shaibu

    “It is necessary  for the record, to state in no uncertain terms, that Mr. Asue Ighodalo has had no role or involvement in any form whatsoever in the very public process leading to  Mr. Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    “These claims are completely without merit, and Mr. Ighodalo categorically denies any such involvement. These allegations are a clear attempt to unjustly tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the actual issues at hand.

    “We urge the public and the media to regard these false statements with well deserved skepticism. 

    “Asue Ighodalo remains focused on running a governorship campaign based on issues, and devoid of distractions.”