By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Youths known as Upper Sokponba Youths in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have said that they would oppose any political mischief makers in the locality ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
The group also promised to rally support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The youths said this during a solidarity march for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) guber candidate in the election, Barr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Barr. Osarodion Ogie in Benin City.
The youths said they were out in solidarity to reaffirm their support for the duo, whom they described as born and bred in Upper.
Speaking on behalf of the teeming youths, the Chief Press Secretary to the local government council Chairman, Hon. Esosa Ewere, and the President, Upper Youths Worldwide, Edward Edegbe also known as Tanko, vowed to go extra length true legitimate means to ensure victory for the PDP in the local government.
Hon. Ewere said the gathering became necessary in order for them to send a strong note of warning to trouble makers who are ready to catch in on the Edo 2024 governorship election and also to cause trouble and divide the Upper Sokponba youths.
He noted that it’s barely one week when the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Barr. Olumide Akpata visited the locality to interact with few youths and made some inflammatory statements that could incite the youths against themselves.
Esosa claimed that Akpata’s statement also negates the principle of electioneering campaign in the state.
According to him, “this is a gathering of over 500 Upper Sokponba youths in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo State. We seek to send a very strong note of warning to trouble makers who want to catch in on the Edo 2024 governorship election to cause trouble and divide Upper Sokponba youths.
“A few days ago the candidate of Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, came and met a small group of youths about six of them and he was condemning the anti-cultism law passed by the governor a few week ago precisely June 3rd of this month.
“So, we see that as a negation to the constructive campaign gospel that we have been preaching since the commencement of this movement.
“For somebody like that to come to Ikpoba Okha, particularly Upper Sokponba where the SSG come from, Upper Sokponba where the council chairman come from, Upper Sokponba where the current campaign DG also comes from and be making such unguided statements, we see it as an affront to the ideas of developmental good governance portrayed by the Obaseki led administration”.
According to the group, Upper Sokponba Youths for Asue/Ogie comprises different bodies and groups but under one umbrella (UY4AIO2) ready to deliver.