As the September 19 governorship election in Edo State draws nearer, a group of Edo professionals in LagosNe’Edoghama has vowed to mobilise support for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second term bid. They lauded Obaseki’s for his achievements,saying that he deserves a second term. In a statement, Mr Jonathan Imuwahen, Chairman of the association said members of his group have faith in Governor Obaseki and will go back to the state to mobilise grass root support for the governor. Most importantly, he said: “we are determined to mobilise our people and also give all the necessary support to Obaseki including financial and moral support” he said.
He decried the thuggery associated with the campaign especially by APC thugs recruited by Adams Oshiomhole, former national Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who he says “is determined to tighten his grip on the state through foul means”. Imuwahen says members of the association have in the last few weeks been making contacts and mobilising support for Obaseki within and outside the country. The association chairman called on President Buhari, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to ensure a free and fair election saying “Obaseki will easily win in a free contest”.
Also the Unuedo Renaissance, a coalition of non-political Edo professionals have denounced the high level of violence in the state especially the recent attack on the convoy of governor Godwin Obaseki and the failed takeover of the Edo state house assembly by a faction of lawmakers that belong to the APC. The lawmakers who are allegedly being sponsored by Adams Oshiomhole were prevented from accessing the Assembly complex were they planned to serve impeachment notice on the governor.
“We have seen massive attacks on the homes of our citizens, campaign billboards have wantonly been defaced or destroyed, and the kidnapping of perceived political opponents for whatever reason has now reared its head again. Even the Governor’s convoy has not been spared these brazen attacks by hoodlums, and the state is being pushed in the direction of anarchy” the group stated.Some members of the group include Emmanuel Ijewere, former President of Institute of Directors (IoD) of Nigeria; Lawson Omokhodion, former Managing Director of All states Trust Bank; Henry Omoragbon, former Managing Director of AIICO Insurance; Soni Irabor, veteran broadcaster and Emmanuel Ikhazaboh, former interim administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange among others.
The high level of violence that has trailed the forth coming election has been a source of concern in and outside the country. Not too long ago, the European Union expressed worry over the high incidence of violence in the state.
By OSAZE OMORAGBON