By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
It seems the entreaties of former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiohmole to the chiefs in Edo State to help Ize-Iyamu clinch the governorship in the state has fallen on deaf ears,
The Benin chiefs snubbed efforts by the erstwhile Peoples Progressives Congress (APC) to drag them into partisan politics, asking Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of APC go to the poll in September and test his might and popularity against the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki.
The chiefs said their traditional duties to the Edo people, despite political affiliations, forbids them from rooting and campaigning for any political party or candidate.
“Edo people are very rational people, they know who to vote for on September 19. Some of us are pensioners and we know the candidate that will not delay our monthly pension. The civil servants, teachers and other government workers know the candidate that will prioritise their wellbeing and sustain the ongoing reforms in all sectors of the state.”
The chiefs who pleaded not to be mentioned, noted that some of them occupy very sensitive positions in the palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, hence would join the Benin monarch in prayers for a peaceful election in the state.
“Some of us came for this meeting with Oshiomhole to hear what message he has for us. But I felt embarrassed when he went down on his knees to start begging us to vote for the APC candidate. Oshiomhole said he made a mistake for campaigning for Obaseki in 2016. What is the guarantee that he is not making a worse mistake this time?
“We are not children, we can’t be manipulated by politicians. Oshiomhole had his time as governor for eight years, and all Benin people supported him. He should allow Edo people choose their leader this time, without being hoodwinked,” one of the chiefs said.
He added that “majority of Edo people will support the candidate that is committed to a peaceful and secure state devoid of warlords and killer gangs, to sustain the progress we have witnessed in all aspects of our lives in recent times.”