21st March, 2012
Two-time Governor of defunct Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia has endorsed the candidacy of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the 14 July 2012 governorship election.
“Benin people have already spoken,” he said.
Speaking during an unscheduled visit by Oshiomhole who inspected road projects around the hitherto flood prone Five Junction area of Benin City, Ogbemudia said, “Your Excellency, I salute your dedication, vision and loyalty which is all that you need to be sworn in in July.”
Turning to the entourage, Ogbemudia who was obviously elated by the quality of work on the roads criss-crossing his home on Iheya Street, said, “All of you should bubble with enthusiasm as you will take over in July.”
Also turning to Oshiomhole, he said, “You go there, win and leave the rest for us. Your job is to go and win and come back to Osadebey Avenue.”
Narrating how he berated some spiteful members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who visited him recently, Ogbemudia said, “Those PDP people who came to see me, I asked them how did you come? They said they came through a brand new good road. And I said don’t you think you should say thank you to Governor Adams Oshiomhole who built it? They said their thank you will not go to Adams Oshiomhole but to the contractors who built it. And I told them that we should learn to give credit to whom credit is due.”
In a veiled response to those throwing darts against Oshiomhole, the former governor who implored the ACN flag bearer not to despair, said, “If you ask how many people want to be in Osadebey Avenue, you’ll get more than 20 and they will say all sorts of things against each other.”
Recalling the chummy relationship he had with Oshiomhole when he was Minister of Labour and Productivity, Ogbemudia said, “We had good relationship throughout my time as Minister of Labour and Productivity. Haven done that to me during my tenure as Minister of Labour, it is my turn to reciprocate.”