Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
As the count down to the Edo State governorship election begins in earnest, the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki has admonished women of the state to remain vigilant in their choice of leadership, cautioning them against those who might want to exploit the state’s resources for their personal gains.
She made the appeal while leading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women Campaign Council on rallies in Okada, the headquarters of Ovia North East Local Government Area, and Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government Area respectively.
Mrs. Obaseki stressed the importance of electing a governor who is committed to the progress and development of the state.
“You know these people do not want the good for Edo because they want someone they can easily control to siphon the state’s resources for personal gains.
“Even if the governor knows the right thing to do, he won’t have the resources to do so because of those who want to siphon the resources” she warned.
At the rally, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, the wife of the PDP candidate, assured the women that her husband prioritizes security in his manifesto. “My husband acknowledges the progress made by Governor Obaseki in security but he plans to do more to ensure the safety of our people and the ease of movement, especially for our farmers,” she said.
Reflecting on her own journey, a member of the House of Assembly and Deputy Speaker credited the governor’s wife for her rise in politics. “If not for Her Excellency, Betsy Obaseki, no matter how intelligent I am, I wouldn’t have been a member of the House of Assembly, let alone a Deputy Speaker.
“We need a government that will continue this legacy so that more women and young people like yourselves can gain political power.”
The wife of the local government chairman highlighted a key manifesto pledge, stating, “There’s a pledge that every adult child, from the age of 15, will learn a skill. This is now compulsory, not an option. With a skill, no one will suffer hardship because they can fend for themselves.”
The campaign continued in Iguobazuwa where the PDP Women Campaign Council was warmly received by an enthusiastic gathering of women.
Local leaders and party members shared testimonies of the positive impact the Obaseki administration has had on their communities.
Mrs. Betsy Obaseki reiterated that a vote for Asue Ighodalo would ensure continued progress for Edo State. “This election is different from any other because we have a governor brought by God who has improved the economic status of the state from its previous condition.
“Everyone is now attesting that Edo is the best state in Nigeria. With another eight years, Edo State will leave the rest of Nigeria behind,” she stated.
Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo urged the women to support a candidate who respects women and has demonstrated this in his leadership. She praised the governor’s wife for ensuring that more women hold leadership positions within the party.
The wife of the local government chairman assured Mrs. Obaseki of their full support, not just out of party loyalty but because of the need for continued progress in Edo state.