Edo Chiefs, Elders Reject Oshiomhole’s Pleas

A cross-section of senior Benin chiefs on Sunday, re­jected efforts by the sacked National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to drag them into partisan politics, urging the par­ty’s candidate, Osagie Ize- Iyamu, to try his luck at the poll come September 19, 2020.

According to the chiefs, their traditional duties to Edo people, irrespective of the political parties they be­long, restrain some of them from campaigning for any candidate and would not be swayed by Oshiomhole’s genuflections and pleas.

“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: “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.”