By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dan Orbih, has said that the re-election campaign of Governor Godwin Obaseki is a battle against the forces of backwardness.
Orbih made the remark at the inauguration of the PDP campaign council in Edo State.
“Those in the forefront in the campaign to take the state back must be stopped. This state is not the property of Adams Oshiomhole.
“This is the moment of truth and not for self-proclaimed liars and political apologists.
“In 2016, Ize-Iyamu apologized for making Adams Oshiomhole Governor, in 2020, its the turn of Adams Oshiomhole. Edo people are too politically sophisticated to be fooled. Edo people must be informed that Government business is serious business. It is not a simple agenda! Edo people rejected the simple agenda in 2016 and will do so again in 2020,” he said.
He said Oshiomhole was trying to play God in the political and economic affairs of Edo people, warning that he would be stopped.
“The future of our state is in the hands of Edo people. I urge the good people of Edo State to support and vote Governor Godwin Obaseki for sustainable development and growth of our beloved state,” he said.
He said the re-election of Obaseki is a project of the entire state.
“From today we are going to take our campaigns to the people. Let the people decide. Not in Adams but in God we trust, and with the support of the people Governor Godwin Obaseki will win again,” he said.
He said Obaseki, and his deputy, Phillip Shaibu, are the best pair for the September 19 election.
“No doubt we have the best candidates for this election. They have given a good account of themselves and they surely deserve a second term to continue the great work. They have elicited uncommon leadership qualities in charting a road map for the development of our state. I must say that I admire you more, now that I am privy to more facts about where you started,” he said.
He said the government Obaseki leads inherited the highest debts ever in the history of Edo State, but through prudent management and financial discipline, they have reduced the state’s indebtedness and even embarked on infrastructural development and cleared all pension arrears.
“You have been credited with institutional reforms and social welfare enhancement, agricultural support and development, you have also made our great state investor friendly.
“You have eliminated agberos from our markets and roads. You have brought innovation to tax collections in the state.
“Even some of us who initially opposed you when you first contested, have come to realize that you are indeed a blessing to our state. Those who initially supported you thinking that your emergence will open the state vault for looting and sharing of our state allocation, you have disappointed them by your refusal to continue with their culture of sharing the money at the expense of developing the state at the detriment of the great Edo people,” he said.
Orbih said Obaseki showed courage when he decided to investigate the fraud in the award and execution of the Central Hospital contract, for which he said they have labeled him a bad person.
