Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, on Wednesday at the formal declaration of his intention to contest in the September 10 Governorship election in the State, said he is in the race for what he could give, unlike his opponents who are in for what they could get.
Odubu said this while responding to fliers recently distributed in the state in which it was said that he (Odubu), does not deserve to be voted governor because has been in government for about 16 years.
“Yes, I have been around the political arena for a while, serving the people in different capacities viz the legislative and executive arms of government.
“I dare say that anybody that would say because of this, I should not be voted for, belongs to the genre or class of politicians who believe in the politics of ‘chop-I-chop’. I am in politics to serve the people.
“While these people are interested in what they can get, I am interested in what I can give. Therein lies the difference. There is no better way to be prepared for governance than by practical experience garnered over the years. Neither a degree in government, nor a degree in political science can take the place of experience.
“I urge these faceless fellows to desist from their campaign of calumny. In this contest, I have no enemies but opponents. I have advised my supporters to be temperate with their language and civil in their conduct.
“For me, nothing in this world is worth the blood of a fowl, not to talk of that of a human being. I leave these enemies of progress to the all knowing God,” he said.
The APC governorship aspirant promised to uphold the provision of the Constitution and Manifesto of his party, also pledged to build on the legacies of Governor Oshiomhole.
“The Oshiomhole administration has set the template for infrastructural development in Edo state. This will be continued and sustained.
“Given the high level to which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has taken Edo state, going forward, the state needs a governor that is in the game ready. One that will hit the ground running. I believe I am that person by the grace of God.”
He also described his alleged attempt to kill Governor Adams Oshiomhole as “a wicked attempt by enemies of progress to drive a wedge between me and Mr. Governor. It is an old and tired lie concocted to tarnish my image in the eye of the public. It is politically motivated.”