…Hails Asue Ighodalo for showing empathy
THE continuing silence and nonchalant attitude of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo and his campaign council for failing to acknowledge or commiserate with the families of victims involved in a tragic accident linked to Okpebholo’s campaign convoy has been described as wicked and callous.
The accident, which occurred on Thursday along Warrake Road in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, claimed the lives of five individuals, it was learnt.
It was gathered that the convoy of Senator Okpebholo, who is the governorship candidate of the APC in the upcoming September 21 election, allegedly rammed into a Toyota Camry, leading to the fatal collision and deaths.
In a statement by the former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, Mr. John Mayaki, said, “despite the gravity of the incident and the sorrow it has brought to the affected families, neither Senator Okpebholo nor the APC campaign council has issued a statement or expressed condolences to the affected families”.
Mayaki who described as callous and deeply insensitive, the action of Okpebholo and his campaign council said, “The fact that Senator Monday Okpebholo and his campaign council have refused to acknowledge this tragic incident or reach out to the families of those who lost their lives is beyond reprehensible. It shows a lack of empathy and responsibility. Edo State deserves leaders who are compassionate and accountable, not ones who disregard human life.”
Mayaki who went further to criticise the APC as a party, accusing its leadership of turning a blind eye to the suffering of ordinary citizens said, “The silence from the APC campaign council and the party itself is deafening. This is not just about politics; it’s about human lives. Their refusal to even offer words of sympathy to the grieving families speaks volumes about their priorities.
“I want to urge Okpebholo and his handlers to emulate the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who, upon hearing about the tragic incident, immediately visited one of the bereaved families to offer his condolences. This is true leadership, marked by empathy and genuine care.
“Let me also use this opportunity to urge the people of Edo State to take note of the candidates’ actions during this crucial time. Leadership is about more than campaign promises and political rallies. It’s about showing up for the people, especially in times of tragedy. Edo State needs a leader who values every life, not one who remains silent in the face of such a heartbreaking incident.”
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