Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
As the race toward the Edo 2024 governorship election heats up, 192 councillors across Edo State have thrown their weight behind the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. In a show of solidarity, the councillors also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Godwin Obaseki, lauding his commitment to the prompt payment of salaries, allowances, and the provision of vehicles to legislative leaders.
Truth Live News gathered that this resounding endorsement followed a recent publication by Mr. Lucky Agbukor, a self-identified APC Deputy Chairman of Media and Publicity in Etsako East LGA, who claimed the councillors were dissatisfied with Governor Obaseki and intended to back the opposition. The councillors have categorically dismissed this as a baseless fabrication, labeling it as misleading and a desperate attempt to tarnish the governor’s reputation.
During an emergency meeting convened in Agenebode by legislative leaders across the state, the councillors, led by Hon. Solomon Oguma of Etsako East Legislative Arm, Hon. (Barr.) Augustine Oleleayegbele of Igueben LGA, Hon. Omoruyi Igbinake of Ovia North East LGA, and others, expressed their unwavering support for both Governor Obaseki and Dr. Ighodalo. They called for the arrest of Mr. Agbukor for disseminating fake news aimed at discrediting the government.
In his remarks, Hon. Solomon Oguma praised Governor Obaseki as “the best governor” for his unprecedented provision of vehicles to legislative leaders. Hon. Oleleayegbele dismissed the APC’s claims as the work of “jokers,” emphasizing that Ighodalo’s vision and genuine engagement with Edo citizens make him the right candidate for the job. Hon. Igbinake went further, calling the allegations a “bloody lie” and attributing them to APC’s desperation.
The meeting culminated in a communiqué issued by the Chief Press Secretary of Etsako East LGA, Mr. Benjamin Atu, in which the councillors firmly denied the “reckless” claims and accused the APC of plotting to destabilize the state as part of a doomed election rigging strategy. They urged the Nigerian Police to investigate the motives behind the malicious publication and warned that any attempt to disrupt the state’s stability would be met with resistance.
The councillors reiterated their commitment to delivering victory for Dr. Ighodalo, expressing confidence that his success would signal the end of the APC’s influence in Edo State. “Governor Godwin Obaseki is the best thing that has ever happened to Edo State, and we remain committed to him,” they declared.
In a scathing rebuke of the opposition, the councillors urged the Edo APC to “weep for Nigeria’s economy,” citing the current hardship and underdevelopment caused by what they described as the party’s “clueless leadership.” They argued that Edo citizens deserve a governor who is proactive and responsive, not one beholden to godfathers.
As the election draws closer, the PDP councillors remain resolute in their backing of Ighodalo and Governor Obaseki, pledging to secure victory across all wards and units in the state.