Toba Owojaiye reporting.
A former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Barr Friday Itulah has described Dr Asue Ighodalo as the unifying factor in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the state itself.
In an exclusive interview on Sunday with Truth Live News on Moment of Truth, an online political programme by Truth Live News, anchored by Darlington Okpebholo Ray, which was broadcast live on its YouTube channel and other social media handles, Hon Friday Itulah, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and House of Representatives member, delved into the complexities of PDP’s journey in Edo State, emphasizing the need for unity and strategic alignment.
Reflecting on the party’s tumultuous history, Itulah expressed optimism about the current trajectory, stating, “PDP in Edo state is getting stronger and more united.” He identified past factional disputes that led to the removal of a PDP governor during Prof Osunbor’s brief tenure, highlighting the need for internal cohesion to avoid electoral losses.
Addressing recent differences between Governor Obaseki’s and Chief Dan Orbih’s camps, Itulah noted, “The lines are getting thinner and thinner.” Drawing from experiences, he explained how internal divisions had previously hindered the party’s ability to present a united front during elections, resulting in losses to the APC in Edo Central. Reflecting on the party’s lessons, Itulah quoted Martin Luther King Jr.: “to live as brothers or die as fools.”
He emphasized the significance of unity, stating, “In times of conflict, nobody benefits. But in times of unity, everybody benefits, though in varying degrees.” This insight underscores the crucial role unity plays in political success.
Highlighting the impact of past losses, Itulah, a veteran politician, shared, “We lost in a tough way.” However, he confidently asserted, “The story will be different this time.” He detailed recent positive developments, including Governor Obaseki’s visit to Chief Dan Orbih and ongoing dialogues among aspirants and stakeholders, indicating a shift towards party unity.
Dr Asue Ighodalo emerged as a key figure in fostering unity, described by Itulah as “the Daniel who has come to judgment.”
While praising Ighodalo’s neutrality and ability to unite diverse factions, Itulah stated, “He is the only one (aspirant) that everyone would want to support at the end of the day.” Describing Ighodalo’s qualities, Itulah highlighted, “He is such a humble person, a great listener, ready to meet anyone.”
He bolstered the significance of Ighodalo’s potential candidacy, stating, “At the end of the day, he is going to be one the PDP would be proud to present as its candidate.” Itulah emphasized Asue Ighodalo’s extensive experience in governance, “He has been with Comrade Adams Oshiomole as one of his economic advisers.”
Linking Ighodalo to Obaseki’s economic initiatives, Itulah stated, “If Asue takes off from where the current governor stops, Edo cannot but become a state of El Dorado.” He expressed confidence in Ighodalo’s visionary leadership and predicted positive impacts beyond Edo State.
Reflecting on the party’s history, Itulah paid tribute to the late Chief Tony Anenih, stating, “We wish that late Chief Tony Anenih was still around.” Recognizing Anenih’s pivotal role in galvanizing Edo Central, Itulah acknowledged the difficulty in filling the void left by the late leader. With a forward-looking perspective, Itulah highlighted, “If Asue emerges as governor and exceeds expectations, we may see another leader in the mould of Late Chief Anenih.”
He emphasized the importance of grooming Asue as a leader, stating, “It is left for us to put our acts together and ensure that he emerges as governor and does well to make us all proud.” Providing insight into the current alignment of aspirants, Itulah revealed, “Four of the nine aspirants we have have aligned with him.”
He expressed hope for more alignment, aiming for a consensus candidate, emphasizing the strategic term “align” over “stepping down” to convey a cooperative, rather than diminishing, political approach.
Hon Friday Itulah’s detailed perspective, punctuated by insightful quotes, offers a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing dynamics within the PDP in Edo State, emphasizing unity, strategic alliances, and the potential candidacy of Dr Asue Ighodalo as a unifying force.