By Jethro Ibileke
Ahead of the 21 September governorship election in Edo State, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, has charged all non-indigenous people in Ovia North East and South West Local Government Areas to vote massively for the candidate of PDP, Asue Ighodalo.
The son of the Benin billionaire and former Governor of the state, Lucky Igbinedion also urged the people to vote for the PDP candidate.
They gave the charge to non-indigenes on Monday at two town hall meetings held in Okada and Iguobazuwa respectively, under the aegis of the Edo State Non-Indigenous Forum.
The Forum comprises of various ethnic groups, including Hausa/Fulani of the Arewa stock, Ndigbo, Yoruba, Urhobo and other groups from Kogi state.
Hon. E. O Efosa, who relayed the message of the Esama of Benin, to the people in Okada, charged them to vote for the PDP because “he [Igbinedion] doesn’t know any other party than the PDP.”
Efosa also narrated the position of former two-term governor, Lucky Igbinedion, to the people in Iguobazuwa.
He declared that the former governor had asked the people to go out on Saturday and vote massively for the PDP candidate.
Addressing the Non-Indigenous Forum at the respective town hall meetings, the PDP flag bearer, Asue Ighodalo, told the people that next Saturday’s election would be a time to choose between good and bad, light and darkness, moving forward or going backwards.
He highlighted the social economic crisis that has befallen the country as a result of the poor managerial acumen of the party in power at the Centre but opposition here, the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
“On Saturday we are going to make a very important decision in the life of Edo State. We will be deciding between moving forward or backwards, progress or retrogression or backward. We will be deciding between light and darkness and between good and evil.
“In choosing your leader, you must ask for the track records of the individuals. Give your vote to the person who can lead you well. I assure you of good governance. Osarodion and I will work tirelessly for you. We will be accessible and will not disappoint you,” he said.
Representatives of the various ethnic groups at the town hall meetings pledged their total support to him, promising to vote massively for the PDP on Saturday.