5th September, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
Ahead of the 21 September governorship election in Edo, the wife of the State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has warned against voting a candidate that would be easily manipulated by godfathers to exploit the state’s resources for personal gain.
Obaseki stated this while leading the PDP Women Campaign Council on rallies in Okada, the headquarters of Ovia North East Local Government Area, and Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
She said those promoting such candidates do not have the interest of the state at heart but to enable them siphon the state resources.
“You know these people do not want the good for Edo because they want someone they can easily control to siphon the state’s resources for personal gains.
“Even if the governor knows the right thing to do, he won’t have the resources to do so, because of those who want to siphon the resources,” she warned.
She therefore urged women across the state to remain vigilant in their choice of leadership, even as she stressed the importance of electing a governor that is committed to the progress and development of the state.
The Edo First Lady reiterated that a vote for Asuen Ighodalo would ensure continued progress for the state.
“This election is different from any other because we have a governor brought by God who has improved the economic status of the state from its previous condition.
“Everyone is now attesting that Edo is the best state in Nigeria. With another eight years, Edo State will leave the rest of Nigeria behind,” she stated.
Also speaking, wife of the PDP candidate, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, urged the women to support a candidate who respects women and has demonstrated this in his leadership.
“My husband acknowledges the progress made by Governor Obaseki in security, but he plans to do more to ensure the safety of our people and the ease of movement, especially for our farmers,” she said.
In her remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Edeko, credited Mrs Obaseki for her rise in politics and ensuring that more women hold leadership positions within the party.
She siad: “If not for Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki, no matter how intelligent I am, I wouldn’t have been a member of the House of Assembly, let alone a Deputy Speaker.
“We need a government that will continue this legacy so that no more women and young people like yourselves can gain political power.”
