Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The College of Bishops in the Peaceful and Visionary Christian Leaders Organisation (PVCLO), also known as Consensus Christian Leaders Forum (CCLF) and other church leaders across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State have thrown their full weight behind the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The group also prayed against anybody that is planning to manipulate the process against the will of the people.
Making the declaration at the headquarters of the Gospel Defenders Ministries on Lucky Way, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the church leaders said they started fasting and praying since November 2023, seeking the face of God and that it is the time to unveil the candidate with the fear of God.
Speaking on behalf of the College of Bishops and Archbishops, the General Overseer of Gospel Defenders Ministries Int. Inc. Archbishop Fred Aghedo urged Ighodalo to ensure he does not betray the confidence Edo people repose in him.
“The Peaceful and Visionary Christian Leaders Organisation (PVCLO) made up of over 300 Archbishops, Bishops and church leaders have been fasting and praying since November 2023 for God’s direction ahead the Edo State 2024 governorship election.
“This body has gathered together on two occasions since the beginning of 2024 to review their position and it was revealed that we tarry awhile to get a clear message from the Holy Spirit as directed by God Almighty”.
While urging Ighodalo to give voice to all those who will soon be coming to join him from other political parties, Aghedo admonished those who are planning to manipulate the election to have a rethink so as not to incur the wrath of God.
“You have been chosen by God Almighty and we urge you not to disappoint the people. We urge you to accommodate all Edo people, both at home and in the diaspora. Embrace all Edo people and unite them irrespective of political, religious and ethnic persuasion.
“Many people are coming from the different parties to work for your gubernatorial election and by the time you win, accommodate all of them in your government as much as the resources of the state will permit.
“While forming your government on assumption of office, bring on board a broad spectrum of Edo people irrespective of their political learning.
“As you go about your campaigns, we urge you to give voice to all those who are on their way to join you in your party and ensure they are not discriminated against, because many are on the fence and are afraid to join because of uncertainties in their political career. Give them hope and assurance.
“As for those who believe they will not campaign for the election, but are hovering round the corridors of the electoral umpire on how to upload fictitious results in their favour, we’ll continue to pray that their evil devices will come to ruin in Jesus name.
“I urge the College of Bishops and other church leaders, and members of their congregation to continue to pray that the evil plans of election riggers will fail in Jesus name. We urge Edo people to continue to pray for a peaceful and violent free election on 21 September”.
On the part of the governorship candidate, Ighodalo, he said that the only way he can reciprocate the honour done him and for their support is to give governance his best and take the people from poverty to prosperity.
“The only way I can repay the Bishops and members of the church, is to make sure that by the grace of God Almighty, when we become the government of Edo State, we will work tirelessly for our people, we love our people, we will take our people from poverty to prosperity and we will do so working in the path of God Almighty and in His shadow and with focus.
“I promise will make you proud. I will give governance my best, I will work hard and by God’s grace, we shall create a new Edo State of prosperity, of strength and of love.”