Oba of Benin, chiefs back Oshiomhole’s re-election bid

Posted by admin Edo, Headlines, State News Friday, April 20th, 2012

April 20, 2012 by James Azania

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Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Thursday received a major boost in his re-election bid after the Oba of Benin gave him his support.

Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, who was formally informed by Oshiomhole of his second term bid at the Palace, said the governor deserved it because of his performance.

“One good term deserves another,” Erediauwa said.

Speaking after an address by the governor, who highlighted some of the achievements of his three-year-old administration, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, said the Binis were happy with Oshiomhole’s accomplishments.

He said, “The Binis will not be blinded not to appreciate what he (Oshiomhole) has done. As we are going for election, people are already talking of what he has done. You have just little to say during your campaign because what you are doing is already campaigning for you. The Binis will not be blind to the good work you are doing.”

The Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, said, “Whatever the Oba has to say, he has said it many times. You don’t hear the Oba speak often. What the Iyase has said, he has said it for the Oba. Adams Oshiomhole as a politician is the candidate of the Binis because he knows the problems of the Binis and he is solving them.

“As the Odionwere of Benin Kingdom, with the authority of the Oba, I say we will vote for Oshiomhole.

“We have seen many Mr. Fix It here, but they could not fix anything.

“Today Oshiomhole is fixing everywhere. We want to appreciate Oshiomhole by voting him back to government house. The oracle has spoken. They said the Palace is playing politics. What is politics?

“The Oba himself is the embodiment of politics. He supervises everything.”

Oshiomhole said, “Your Majesty, I came for two reasons. First is my gratitude for your prayers and counselling which I have enjoyed since I became governor of Edo State, just as you supported me when I was President of the NLC.

“In 2007, when I wanted to contest, I came to you and you graciously gave me your blessings, and after the election and the ensuing court ruling which returned me as governor on November 12, I came to thank you and I remembered the first thing you asked of me was that I repair Bini roads and fix its drainage.

“To me that wasthe marching orders. We have done something and we are still doing something about Benin roads. We have done something and we are still doing something about erosion problem in Benin.

“Just yesterday (Wednesday), after the heavy rain, I went out and saw for myself that in 5 Junction and other problematic areas, minutes after the rain, the waters had gone.

“Your majesty, INEC has now rolled out a timetable and called for interested political parties who want to contest, and election is fixed for July 14. We have come this afternoon to ask for our majesty’s support so that we can return, not to repeat what we have done, but to advance the cause of development, all around Edo State.”

Erediauwa said, “My chiefs have prayed, good luck to you and we await the result of what they have prayed.

-Punch”wp_posts