Oshiomhole: Why I’m in politics

I’m In Politics To Nurture New Leaders– Oshiomhole

JETHRO IBILEKE/Benin

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has disclosed that he was in politics to help build a new generation of leaders to take over leadership from the present crop of aging politicians and move Nigeria to a befitting level.

The Governor, while stating this, also berated legal practitioners who offered to give free legal services to the PDP candidate in the 14 July governorship election, General Charles Airhiavbere, arguing that lawyers offer free services only to the poor.

He spoke on Monday when members of the Edo state Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) paid him a visit in his office to congratulate him on his victory at the recent governorship election.

The Governor also commended journalists for balanced reporting of politics and the coverage of the 14 July governorship election in the state.

“We are ready to build a new generation of leaders who will take over from us and keep the flag flying; we are building a new Edo and you. When God has fought your battle, you just thank Him. It was a good fight but the rebellion has been crushed.

“I think it was balanced reporting generally, you are all part of this and like I did say at Saidi centre in 2007, you should see this project as your project first because if one worker can make it, any other worker can. The ordinary man can be what God says he will be without paying allegiance to all those men of yesterday. So we thank God. If the people of Uzenema voted for me, I have to do more things there to justify that confidence.

“I read today that some lawyers have volunteered to render legal service to my opponent in the election pro bono. Lawyers only render such kind of services to the poor. They said I possess only Standard Three. Well we will know when we get to court,” Oshiomhole said.

Meanwhile, the traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial zone have described Oshiomhole as someone who has the genuine mandate of all Edo people, just the governor promised to defend every person regardless of how he or she voted in the election.

The traditional ruler led by the Onogie of Opoji, Zaiki Aidenojie Ehidiamhen, JP, during a congratulatory visit to the governor said since independence, Edo state was witnessing for the first time the most transparent election where thugs were jobless.

“We have come to congratulate the governor over the victory which revealed God’s hand at work. We are also appreciative of the role of the Oba of Benin, who called for peace throughout the election.

“We have full confidence in the governor, we are having a governor that has the genuine interest of the people at heart. You are the governor of all Edo people,” he said.

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole thanked the traditional rulers for their prayers and support during the electioneering campaign and the election.

“As royal fathers, you have made the point that you do not belong to any political party, but you cannot be neutral. As Adolor of Esan, you have done me proud as the people voted for their Adolor in every Ward.”

He promised to fulfill he promises he made during his electioneering campaign and to carry the royal fathers along to justify the confidence repose in him.

“I am humbled by the outcome of the election. Edo people reminded us we are one and the same and they want a governor that must apply resources for the development of various parts of our state,” he said.