Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Former Secretary General of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Oredo Central Constituency, Alhaji Mohammed Ighile has joined his voice with those clamouring for the choice of Secretary to Edo State Government,Mr. Osarodion Ogie as running mate to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the September 21 election.
Alhaji Ighile, former All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) Senatorial aspirant for Edo South, noted that experience gathered as Chief of Staff to former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and as commissioner will be of great help if Mr. Ogie emerges as deputy governor of Edo State.
Besides, the ex-spokesman of the pan Edo group, Edo Okpamakhin, argued that having been Secretary to Edo State Government for over seven years, the lawyer cum politician was in a better position to pilot the affairs of the state as he is used to all the rudiments of government.
Ighile who spoke from his base in Boston, Massachusetts, United States said: “I have no doubt that Barrister Osarodion Ogie will bring value to the joint ticket with Dr. Asue Ighodalo. Having been in government for almost 16 years, he has acquired a lot of experience in government.”
The old political warhorse who was the President, Nigerian Democratic Alliance in Boston, USA between 1993-1999 during the dark days of military strongman Gen. Sani Abacha said that Mr. Ogie is a good listener, who takes time to reach out to those in need.
Besides, he noted that the scribe knows the working of government and the problems of the three senatorial districts because of his long stint in government.
He vowed to go on a fund raising and fully mobilize Edo diaspora in North America for the PDP once the incumbent secretary to Edo Government is announced as running mate to Dr. Ighodalo.
Ighile continues: “Barrister Ogie is a very good man. He is very patient with people and takes time to attend to the ordinary Edo person who visits him either in his office or at home. He has an open door policy. He knows Edo and the problems confronting the state very well.
“We’ll mobilize Edo diaspora for him. Ogie has a good heart and mean well for all Edo people. He has been part of the formulation of several government policies and so, will be of immense value to Dr. Ighodalo if he wins.”
He disclosed that he quit partisan politics long ago but zeroed in on Mr. Ogie and decided to drum support for him because of his sterling qualities, insisting that his deep love for Edo State is the motivation.