… Beams Searchlight On Odubu, Ogiemwonyi, Airhiavbere, Ogie
As the 2020 governorship election in Edo State is gradually approaching, some leaders of the state branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have started their search for a suitable replacement for the present state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Obaseki, a member of the APC may have run out of favour with some powerful leaders of the party, hence their attempt to deny him second term bid.
“It is not a secret that most members of the APC including leaders in the state are not happy with the administrative style of Governor Obaseki.
“It is an open secret that the governor is deliberately starving members of the party especially the leaders. So, we can’t wait for him to end his tenure and thereafter replace him.
“Due to his unprogressive activities, the APC has lost many of its members to other political parties in the state. And we can’t allow that to go on beyond 2020.
“Therefore, the APC leaders have commenced gradual search for a good replacement of the governor in 2020. Four good loyalists of the party are being considered and they include the former deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, former Minister of Works (State), Engr. Dr. Chris Ogiemwoyi, retired Gen. Charles Airhiavbere and Hon. Barr. Osarodion Ogie, who is the current Secretary to the State Government.
“We are very confident that one of these great members of our party will be a better alternative to Mr. Godwin Obaseki who got the governorship position on a platter of gold and thereafter started despising those who labored and worked so very hard to make him the chief executive of the state.
“We have been able to stabilize the party because majority of our members are aware that the governor will not be granted second term. This is the singular reason; some of our members and leaders have continued to remain calm and steadfast in the party.
“Indeed, we have never had it so bad. No thanks to Mr. Obaseki who has repeatedly denied us of government patronages. And payback time will soon come.
“Governor Obaseki’s second term bid rest squarely on is hands. If he is serious, let him redeem the time now before it is too late,” the APC leader who pleaded anonymity posited.
But Governor Godwin Obaseki sometime in 2018 stated clearly that under his watch, money meant for the development of Edo State will not be shared under any guise.
Obaseki who apparently was responding to the several criticisms from some APC leaders who had openly accused him of denying them of government patronage(s) as members of the ruling party.
According to the governor “All Edo State Government’s money will be used for the development of the state. This is the brand of politics I have chosen to play. Our developmental challenges are so enormous and only a frugal and prudent utilisation of tax payers’ money would ameliorate the sufferings of our people,” he said.
The governor emphasised that “no matter the pressure and irrespective of the quarters such pressure would come from, I will not break my oath with Edo people, to provide purposeful leadership.”
He assured that his administration is opening up rural areas through the provision of infrastructure to stimulate the local economy and enhance the lives of the people.
He maintained that people will not embark on illegal and life-threatening journeys to Libya if there are structures that will support quality life at the grassroots.
“Taxpayers money is meant for development and it will be used to develop the state and make life better for our people. We are taking development to those in the grassroots where the need is greater. We will not share money like those we displaced from government.”
He assured that his administration’s “target is for Edo State to be ranked as one of the three most developed states by the end of my tenure, in infrastructural development, education, improving the business environment especially in the rural areas, amongst other indicators of growth and development.
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