It’s now an established fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has made the peddling of lies and propaganda its official campaign policy. Therefore, everything that comes out of it by way of communication is nothing but an orchestra of deception.
The APC has done this religiously in the last four months since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on political campaign on April 23.
Ever since then, it has been one day one lie and one propaganda. They are so adept at it and well organized that their media urchins give so much vent to their lies and propaganda all over the social media.
The other day, contrary to what happened in court, APC went to town that their nemesis in the election has been disqualified. They sang “Ofoneee” and danced before cameras. It’s all a lie and propaganda. Dr Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is standing ‘gidigba’ in the race for the September 21 governorship election. Make no mistake, Ighodalo dey kampe! Unshaken and way ahead of their diabolical lies and propaganda.
Again, they lied to Edo people when the ‘Comrade’ among them claimed that ability to speak Esan language is a condition to be a governor of Edo State. The people then asked him: is Esan the language of government business in Osadebey Avenue? Was that what you used to run your government during your time? Is it a constitutional requirement or INEC requirement? He is still looking for the answers.
The ‘Pastor’ among them told a group of young people the other day that education is not compulsory. Like saying in our street lingo, “las las education na scam”. And the good people of Edo State asked him: did you not give your children the best of education? Is your wife not a professor? He is still looking for the answer to the questions.
Edo APC has elevated lies and propaganda to an art. It has come to the point that when they say “good morning”, the good people of Edo State would come out, look at the sky and be sure the sun is rising according to the set laws of nature. They have told the good people of Edo State that the sun actually rises in the West and sets in the East all because they want to foist a “dumbaby” on the people as a governor.
They tell you that Lions, monkeys, rabbits and antelopes are kept in museums while artistic paintings, carvings and other ancient objects of historical importance are allowed to roam freely in zoos.
They shamelessly and without remorse, tell the good people of Edo State that a whole ethnic group of highly successful, respected and high flying individuals are witches and wizards. They mount direct attacks on personalities. They don’t discuss issues. No manifesto. No nothing. The candidate is muted and prevented from speaking and engaging with the people. They have turned down media houses invitations to their candidate because he is unsellable. Yet, they tell earth shaking lies just to deceive the people.
So which lie is APC serving the people today? Yes, it has been one day one lie and propaganda. They enjoy peddling lies. From the party’s leadership in the state all through to the followers.
The happy thing is that the good people of Edo State see through these white lies and propaganda. And they are not ready to be deceived by the APC. They know that the APC has no sellable candidate and lacks all that is needed to govern Edo State.
They have therefore thrown their weight behind Dr Asue Ighodalo. They are aware of his competence, they are aware of his capacity, they know he has the compassion, the vision, the drive, the contacts and the presence of mind to lead the state. They have resolved to vote for him come September 21.
Etakibuebu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Benin City.