Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu, Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
A coalition of youth support groups operating under the banner of the Edo Youths Awake Initiative (EDYAI) has come forward to vehemently defend the integrity of Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming September elections in Edo State.
In a statement released in Benin City on Friday, titled “Grand Plan To Maliciously Tarnish Ighodalo’s Name and Reputation,” the National Coordinator of the group, Jerome Omonogbe Tadefua, addressed what they perceive as a concerted effort by opposition parties to besmirch Ighodalo’s character.
The statement highlighted the alleged concoction of false allegations aimed at tarnishing Ighodalo’s reputation, citing a recent incident where he was falsely implicated in a financial scandal involving the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The EDYAI categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as “imaginary, fictitious, and utterly false.”
Tadefua emphasized that despite the attempts to smear Ighodalo’s name, his integrity remains unassailable, grounded in his track record of competence, capacity, integrity, and compassion. The group asserted that the baseless attacks stem from the inability of opposition elements to contend with Ighodalo’s growing popularity and acceptance among the people of Edo State.
Moreover, the EDYAI reiterated Ighodalo’s commitment to maintaining a dignified campaign focused on addressing pertinent issues facing the state. They cited Ighodalo’s recent appeal to his fellow contestants to refrain from engaging in campaigns of calumny and character assassination, urging them to instead concentrate on substantive matters affecting Edo State’s development.
In closing, the group dismissed the allegations against Ighodalo as mere fabrications, urging the public to disregard them entirely. They pledged unwavering support for Ighodalo and his vision to elevate Edo State to a first-world sub-national status, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership and integrity.