1st May, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
As the debate on who should be elected the next Governor of Edo State in 2024 gathers momentum, a Benin-based lawyer and writer, Jefferson Uwoghiren, has posited that the choice should not be a bridge to the past of the people.
Uwoghiren stated this on Sunday in Benin, in a chat with our correspondent.
According to him, the next governor of the Edo should neither be an ethnic champion nor stranger to developments, but one with an appeal that cuts across ethnic, cultural, social and religious barriers.
He said: “This next Governor of Edo State will not be an ethnic champion or a stranger to developments in Edo State.
“The next Governor of Edo State, will not be a bridge to the past; but one that will build a bridge to a glowing future, that will meet our challenges and protect our values.
“Such a leader must possess an appeal that cuts across ethnic, cultural, social and religious barriers.”
According to the former journalist, this quality is absolutely necessary in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state like Edo.
He warned that aspirants who would not be ready to take criticism in good faith should just forget the election, because, according to him, Edo people are not for sale.
“If you are not God-fearing, creative, humble, strong, bold, caring, sensitive, focused, enlightened, radiating hope and confidence with innate capacity to listen to the people, take tough decisions when necessary and take criticisms in good faith, enter house! We are not for sale,” he stated.