Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
A group on the auspices of Edo Patriotic Peoples (EPP), has wooed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie to contest for the governorship position in the forthcoming 2024 governorship election in the state.
The group also pledged their support for him to take over from Governor Godwin Obaseki whose tenure ends next year.
Convener of the group, Raymond Evbuomwan, in a statement in Benin, said the choice of Ogie will not only ensure continuity but consolidate on the developmental trajectories of the past administrations of former governor Adams Oshiomhole and the current administration of Obaseki’s sterling performances.
“In view of the manifest developmental trajectories that Edo State has witnessed since 2008 when Oshiomhole served as two-term governor, as well as the current administration of Obaseki – where Ogie was placed as chief of staff, later as works commissioner, and currently the SSG since 2016, his impact in the two administrations can be honestly appraised as prolific and populist oriented.
“In the light of the above good governance pedigree, we, at an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting of our Assembly, resolved to call on Ogie to give the governorship a shot was total and very audible.
“The good governance strides of the state must be sustained, and such can only be guaranteed by someone who has tenaciously networked with the past and present administrations,” the group said in the statement.
It said a painstaking opinion poll was conducted on randomly selected public spirited individuals, and over 2/3rd majority craved or earnestly endorsed Ogie as the most suitable element.
“This endorsement is without prejudice to the inner workings of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State as well as other parties like All Progressives Congress, the New Nigeria People’s Party and the Labour Party.
“As a socio-political movement, we have a mandate to endorse and crave the support of Edo people across party lines for the interest of our preferred candidate.
“We call on him to make dispassionate consideration of this clarion call, in the best interest of Edo people, who overwhelmingly look forward to his grassroots appeal, and the astute capacity to provide leadership that can sustain the legacies of the outgoing administration,” the group maintained.