NOMINATIONS for 2024 governorship in the two major Parties in Edo state may have come and gone. It’s no more news that Asue Ighodalo, the anointed of Godwin Obaseki has clinched the PDP ticket in a controversy rocked fashion with Comrade Philip Shaibu declaring himself nominated in his factional congress. This has culminated in impeachment procedure in a punitive manner on the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu which was kick-started on Wednesday 6th of March,2024 at 11:30 am. This has however raised undeserving attention and sympathy for the state Deputy Governor who’s only crime for this premature impeachment is the fact that he dares to aspire to the office of Governor.
On the other hand, a very humble personality and home based pragmatic and soft spoken leader, Sen. Monday Okpevbolo aka Akpakomiza from the same Esan extraction, has through a transparently conducted primary emerged as the flag bearer of the APC. Since the battle line is now drawn in the same locality of Esan land, it won’t be out of place to exray these two gladiators and examine their political pedigree, personality and especially relationships with the local people they aspire to govern. Charity truly begins at home.
To assume that Asue Ighodalo will make a good governor is a speculation. First, he has failed to be a true Esan man by tongue. He can’t speak the dialect, as it’s alleged that his first visit home to introduce himself and his Governorship aspiration to his people was done through an interpreter. He has never contributed to the social economic development of Esan land and by extension, Edo state. He has been a top notch in the Banking sector and has not attracted a unit of the Bank or employed anyone into the sector as a way to give back to his local society. Like his mentor, Gov. Obaseki, he’s not known to have spent a weekend with his people assuming them to be witches and wizards. His arrogance is second to none.
But Sen. Monday Okpevbolo in sharp contrast has been around and handy in responding to the cries and needs of his people. He speaks the Esan dialect in such eloquence that English won’t flow from him without mixing it with his beloved Esan idioms and Proverbs. He has been contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Esan land and people and by extension Edo state. He’s not afraid to live among his people and like his mentor Chief Tony Aneni, his love and commitment to his people is indiscripable. He’s humility personified. Every political focast predicts his resounding victory come September 21st, 2024.
Nothing is good or bad except by comparison. The choice this time is clear and easy, Sen. Monday Okpevbolo is the Governor Esan people and Edo state desires.
Vote Sen. Monday Okpevbolo!
Vote APC!
Make Edo state great again!
Hon. Justin Besta Ozeoya from Owan East.
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