With the Edo State governorship election fast approaching on September 21, the Team Asue Media Organization (TAMO) has thrown its weight behind the upcoming governorship debate organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON).
The debate, set to take place on Sunday, September 15, is seen as a pivotal moment for the candidates to clearly articulate their visions and policies to the electorate.
In a statement released by Erhabor Emokpae in Benin City, TAMO emphasized the importance of the debate in the democratic process. Emokpae noted that the structured setting of the debate offers a stark contrast to the often chaotic atmosphere of open campaigns.
According to him, this debate will give candidates the opportunity to engage with voters in a meaningful way, presenting their plans for addressing the critical issues affecting both the state and the nation.
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TAMO further stressed that the debate is not just a formality but a vital platform for transparency. It allows voters to evaluate the candidates’ competence, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to public service.
The organization called on all candidates to respect both the voters and the debate organizers by participating fully, expressing hope that no candidate will dismiss the debate as unimportant, as has happened in previous elections.
Additionally, TAMO encouraged all eligible voters in Edo State to take an active role in the debate process by staying informed, asking pertinent questions, and critically assessing each candidate’s responses.
The statement highlighted that active voter participation is key to strengthening the democratic process and ensuring that leaders are held accountable.
TAMO also commended the NUJ, BON, and other media organizations involved in organizing the debate for their efforts in fostering civic engagement and promoting constructive dialogue.
The organization urged candidates to focus on the issues at hand during the debate, rather than resorting to personal attacks, underscoring the importance of respectful and issue-based discussions in the lead-up to the election.