The PDP candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday, flagged off his
campaign with almost all party notables in the state lining up behind him in a
joint resolve to stop the APC from having a third successive stint in the
governorship. Besides, the party grandees in the state, party leaders from
outside the state led by the chairman of the caretaker committee, Governors
were also present at the carnival-like ceremony which was hurriedly shifted to
the grounds of the Baptist Convention grounds in Benin following the refusal by
the State administration for it to use the Ogbe Stadium.
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, represented the PDP governors
in the South while the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro
represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State. Other dignitaries at the
rally included former chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih,
Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, former Foreign Affairs Minister,
Chief Tom Ikimi, a member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Prof. Jerry Gana
while Senator Odion Ugbesia represented the National Chairman of the party, Ahmed
Makarfi.
Speaking, Ikimi, who recalled that he was one of those who formed the
APC, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to allow a level playing field in
the state during the election, asserting “I will campaign with our candidate in
the 192 wards of the state, and I appeal to Mr. President to provide a level
playing field for this election because Godwin Obaseki (APC guber candidate)
has no business in this state.” He further lambasted Oshiomhole’s
administration on its policies, saying that all the governor assertions on
performance as a sham.
On his part, Senator Ugbesia, who represented Makarfi, presented the PDP
flag to Ize-Iyamu saying the was determined to take over the state.According to
him “this is a quick notice to Oshiomhole and other occupants of Edo Government
House. Today we are going to change the keys to Osadebey Avenue; we have
brought a new key which we shall hand over to Ize-Iyamu.” On his part, Prof.
Gana expressed optimism that Ize-Iyamu will bring victory for the PDP and urged
the people of the state to support PDP come September 10.
“This man will work well, this
man will govern well, this man is a Godly man we must all support him.”
Ize-Iyamu, who expressed gratitude to God and PDP supporters, for the
opportunity given to him to fly the ticket of the party, said the PDP was
blessed with leaders who can change the fortune of the state. He subsequently
introduced Mr. John Yakubu, the former chairman of Esan North East Local
Government Area as his running mate.
He vowed that the PDP would reclaim the state from the APC, asserting
that “ I want to assure you people of Edo state that we shall assist and
provide for the less privileged. We shall improve on your welfare, and we shall
respect our traditional institutions as the custodians of our heritage.
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