· Vows to make Edo a model for other sub-national governments
George Etakibuebu
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September election, Dr Asue Ighodalo, on Friday gave a solemn assurance to the numerous groups drumming support for his aspiration that he will not disappoint or fail them if he becomes the governor of the state. Ighodalo added rather emphatically, that he would do everything possible to make them proud.
Addressing the coordinators and leaders of the various groups which stormed his campaign office in Benin City to reassure him of their commitment, Ighodalo expressed his appreciation for their show of love for his aspiration. He, however, warned that the task ahead was enormous and must not be treated with levity or complacency.
“I am actually overwhelmed and I want to thank you sincerely for coming. Some of you have put in so much effort and also sacrificed time to be here. That suggests to me that you are more than ready to support us to the very end. And what I want to assure you is that I will not disappoint you; I cannot afford to fail you. I promise I will make all of you proud. And the only way that can happen is by all of us working harder to get to Government House.
“My mantra is that we must move Edo State forward to the level of prosperity for all. A level of being the best sub national government. If you trust me with Edo State Government, I will make Edo a place that we will all be proud of. We must show the world that good can come out of here. We have to take our destiny in our hands and in 10 years maximum, we will be there.
“And the way to achieve that is to work together. It is not enough to say we want the government of the people for the people and by the people, or chorus fairness, equity and justice. We must all come together and work as one to achieve our goal. Every vote is very important. It is not going to be a walk in the park. So, ensure you talk to people about this project. I want to thank all of you for coming,” he declared.
The numerous groups which were led by their coordinators and leaders announced their total and unflinching support for the aspiration of the boardroom guru. They declared that their decision to support Ighodalo and the PDP was borne out of their conviction that he is the best man for the job. They contended that Ighodalo has all it takes to be the next governor of the state.
Among the groups present are the Edo Market Women Association from the three senatorial districts of the state; the Edo Queens Political Support Group; the Asue-Ogie Support Movement (AOSM); the Asue Ighodalo Youth Movement; Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria (COAOEN); Edo Women for Good Governance; National Association of Private Primary Schools, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB) among many others.
