Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
As the September 21 governorship election approaches in Edo State, Francis Inegbeniki, a former vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, has called on the Esan people to support the emergence of a credible and competent candidate.
Speaking at Epicures Place, GRA, Benin City, Inegbeniki emphasized the need for a governor who embodies character, competence, and capacity to lead the State towards development.
Highlighting the historical significance of the Esan people in producing notable leaders, including former governors Prof. Ambrose Alli and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Inegbeniki stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in the upcoming election. “We have been in the wilderness, begging and negotiating with the people of Edo North and Edo South Senatorial Districts to give us a chance at the governorship seat. After 24 years, God has now given us an opportunity to produce a governor of Esan extraction,” he said.
Inegbeniki, who recently resigned from the APC, was hosted by Ebenezer Legbedion, CEO and National Coordinator of Esan Agenda. He urged the Esan people to rally behind a candidate who possesses the essential qualities to govern effectively. “Esan people, let me advise you, we must not fall short of what we have been doing, we must produce a governor with the three Cs: a man with good character, a man with capacity, and a man that is competent.”
In a pointed endorsement, he highlighted the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, as a figure who embodies these qualities. “With his pedigree, network, and professional standing, Dr. Ighodalo is miles ahead of other candidates on the ballot, especially those of Esan extraction,” Inegbeniki asserted.
Emphasizing the pride and legacy of the Esan people, he concluded, “Esan people, if you want to be respected in Edo State, produce your best; don’t bring a mediocre, don’t bring somebody that can’t do the job. We are a proud people, we must not disgrace ourselves. We must produce our best.”