Message to the People of Edo State on the eve of the 2024 Edo Governorship Election

As the day/moment we all have been waiting for [ Election day 21st October ] is at hand, I wish to appeal to all registered voters to vote for positive change understood here in terms of political power shift to Edo Central Senatorial zone.

To recall the idea of power shift is to promote inclusiveness, equity, fairness, effective participation of all parts of the state in the development/governance process, build love. faith, trust, spread development, deepen unity, progress common sense of belonging to our dear Edo state.

To the esteemed citizens of Edo State,
I urge you all especially our patriotic youth to actively participate in the upcoming elections to make our collective dream for a better state come true. As we know and have agreed, this rests on power shift, rotation and zoning to foster a sense of collective ownership of the state.

It is therefore crucial that we vote for a candidate from the Edo central in the already stated interest of our shared values of equity, fairness, development and unity of the state This choice will pave the way for the even and rapid development of our dear state.

Let us remember that governing Nigeria is not inherently difficult; rather, it is the corruption and inefficiency within our institutions that complicate matters. While we must strive for transparency and integrity in our governance and take necessary steps to strengthen our institutions, we wish to appeal to INEC to do a clean job of its role as the umpire.Wrong officiating ruins game that leads to violence. The forthcoming election must therefore be corruption-free, transparently clean, free, fair and credible.

The police authority must know that the people do not trust the policemen and women for now.They must do their best to be impartial or neutral. The police has to build the people’s trust by doing their work professionally in accordance with their professional code of conduct. Other supporting institutions must follow suit for the love of our country.

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In the final analysis, this election is really not about the individual but about the political parties and their respect for the shared idea of a better and more assured bright future of Edo state based on peace, equity, harmony, trust, love and diligent commitment to the progress of our dear state.This is the purpose of power shift et al.

There was a political party we once supported but failed to support our plea for power shift. And there are those who heeded.While I thank the leaders of the political parties that subscribed to the principle of power shift and pray God to bless them, permit me to express words of deep appreciation to Governor Godwin Obaseki for being a man of his words. He promised to support Edo central in its quest for the governorshop seat, sofar he has not relented.

As I have observed in the past history will be kind to Governor Obaseki for the solid foundation he has laid for the development of the state and the high tasty and beautiful structures built by the government that has made Benin a modern city. If in doubt, go to the sapele road -3rd junction Benin city. Win or lose the good deeds of his excellency is already in the hearts of Edolites especially the pensioners, teachers, other civil servants, and lately advocates of power shift and believers in it as basis of the unity, rapid development and sustainable progress of Nigeria at large and Edo state in particular.He is leaving many ‘hubs’ of development for his successor to multiply across the state

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Thus it is “not a do or die” election ooo as his Excellency was reported to have said recently -if INEC is seen to have done a good job but doing the right thing right.
Rather, I sue for a do& survive election. I sue for a peaceful exercise in general and for voting for power shift to Edo central in particular -the people’s agreement before the election. May the Will of the people be blessed by God.

Finally I implore our dear youth to resist being exploited by the political elite for the selfish interests of leaders of political parties. Say no to all forms of electoral malpractice.Your voice and vote are powerful tools for change. Stand up, vote wisely for Esan center candidate in order to shape the future of Edo State for all time good and wellness of the people.
Long live Nigeria, long live Edo. May God bless us all and help build a society where no one is oppressed and no zones suffers from political exclusion and developmental neglect.

Thank you all.

* Abhuere is a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management, FNIM, and Director, Centre for Child Care & Youth Development Nigeria, ABUJA