Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
Professor Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jr., a prominent member of the Obidient Movement and a vocal advocate for social justice, has publicly declared his support for Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming September election.
In a detailed exposition posted on his X account, @NwaokobiaJnr, on Sunday, Nwaokobia Jr., who is also a respected lawyer and columnist, elucidated the rationale behind his endorsement of Dr. Ighodalo.
He revealed that amidst a deluge of inquiries regarding his preferred candidate for the Edo State governorship, he meticulously evaluated the leading contenders.
“Barr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party. Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC. Barr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP,” Nwaokobia Jr. wrote. “Since I have chosen to base my political stance on criteria such as competency, capacity, character, as well as justice, equity, and fairness over mere partisanship, here is my stance.”
He continued, “My choice resembles figures like @alexottiofr and @PeterObi who have excelled in corporate Nigeria and exhibited unblemished service. My choice, the immediate past Chairman of Sterling Bank, is one of Nigeria’s premier commercial lawyers.”
Highlighting Dr. Ighodalo’s sterling character and integrity, Nwaokobia Jr. emphasized his role on the Board of the Christopher Kolade Foundation, citing Kolade’s esteemed reputation as indicative of his choice’s caliber. Additionally, he showcased Dr. Ighodalo’s roots in Edo Central Senatorial Zone, aligning with principles of equity, inclusiveness, fairness, and justice in Edo’s politics.
“My choice goes beyond partisan lines,” Nwaokobia Jr. affirmed, encapsulating his endorsement within the framework of the Obidient Movement’s philosophy and values. “It mirrors the same values we championed with Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti. It transcends partisanship and epitomizes patriotism and statesmanship.”
Nwaokobia Jr. lavished Dr. Ighodalo with superlatives, hailing him as the epitome of credibility, competence, and capability, while lauding the alignment of his candidacy with the imperatives of equity, justice, and fairness in Edo State.