By: Ighomuaye Lucky.O
(Benin)Political analysts have described the gale of endorsement of Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a frontline aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the Edo Sept.21 governorship election, as true testament of his acceptance by the people from the three Senatorial District of the State.
Having etched his name in the golden books of jurisprudence and in the business world, Ighodalo, fondly called by his sobriquet, “AI” from his intelligence and business savvy expertise, his foray into Edo State political arena, only provided him the opportunity to subtly showcase his all round socio-political and economic sagacity that continue to leave everyone who has come across him in great awe.
Little wonder members of Edo South Vanguard for Justice and Equity, recently endorsed and gave his governorship aspiration a boost , describing him as the best fit and most qualified to be the state’s next helmsman.
Leader of the group during a well attended press conference in Benin, Ms. Joy Osareimen from Oredo Local Government Area, said the group resolved to endorse Ighodalo based on his antecedent, credibility, pedigree and unalloyed commitment to the development of the state and its people.
According to them, no better aspirant deserves the massive support especially, in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity than Asue Ighodalo.
She said, “As we take our time to critically consider the socio-political history of the State since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation in 1999 and we arrived on the equitable resolution that it’s fair that Edo Central is allowed to govern the State in 2024
And like the golden fish, Ighodalo, who hails from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East LGA of the, state, also caught the eyes of the leaders and members of the most politically conscious LGAs in South Senatorial District; Uhumwode, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha, respectively.
Their endorsement of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as their consensus aspirant for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, speaks volume of his wide reach and, acceptance by all asundry.
Political analysts, especially political watchers, across the 18 LGAs of the state, have described that single episode as the tacit public endorsement of Asue Ighodalo by Edo South Senatorial District.
The leaders and members of the party said such endorsement became only possible following the undisguised and transparent aspirant’s track records of excellence in the various capacities he has served humanity.
Little wonder the motion for Ighodalo’s adoption in Uhumwode was moved and seconded by no mean personalities than former Senator Roland Owie and Mr. Charles Egbe amid wide acceptance and jubilations.
Addressing the people, Ighodalo appealed to the people to nominate him as the PDP flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election, maintaining that with his capacity and proven track records, he remains the best aspirant for the election.
He blamed bad governance in Nigeria over the years on the wrong choice and sentimental voting of the people, noting that Edo State will have no reason not to be developed if the right aspirant is chosen as the governor, which he said he represents.
Asue Ighodalo said: “Edo has no reason not to be developed if the right leaders are chosen to lead the state.
“I am the leader that will take the state beyond the next level, hence, my appeal for your nomination and support.
“Let us choose who can help us, knows the developmental road to lead Edo State and in doing so, we will have good roads and other basic amenities.
“I work hard to stardom and today, God has blessed me as I have created one of the biggest law firms in Africa. God made me chairman, Nigerian Breweries, Sterling Bank and others.
“God has helped me and in return, I try to help people but I believe the best help you can render is when you are in public service which is governance where you will be opportune to help millions of people.
“So, I am appealing to you all to give me the opportunity to help our people in Edo State.
” I promise you all that I will help the people and remove them from poverty. I will bring succour to homes and improve standard of living during my time as governor.
“I will be governor for everybody, operate an open-door-policy, accessible to the people. We are going to govern Edo State together as one man can not do it alone. So, together, we will create a better Edo State and Nigeria.”
As Edo people get set for the march again, searching and looking for Mr governor, Asue Ighodalo’s choice, will obviously be the right choice.