Ahead of the Edo governorship election on September 21, 192 councillors in the state have thrown their weight behind the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
They also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Godwin Obaseki for prompt payment of their salaries and allowances, as well as the provision of vehicles for legislative leaders.
The endorsement and commendation by the 192 councillors across the state came in response to an alleged publication by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Chairman, Media and Publicity, Etsako East Local Government Area, Mr Agbukor Lucky, wherein he claimed that the 192 councillors were nursing grievances against Governor Obaseki over unpaid salaries and allowances, and had resolved to work against the PDP candidate.
Dismissing the allegations as misleading, disgraceful and a direct attack on democracy, the leaders of the various legislative councils across the state unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Governor Obaseki, describing him as a great performer and an unusual leader who has made the welfare of councillors across the state his top priority.
“The Governor is not owing us salary,” they said.
Leader of the Etsako East Local Government legislative arm (Edo North), Solomon Oguma, alongside Augustine Oleleayegbele, legislative leader from lgueben Local Government Council (Edo Central); Omoruyi Igbinake, Ovia North East Local Government Area (Edo South), Aikhodion Joshua Braih; legislative leader, Owan East legislative leader (Edo North), and others who took their turn to speak in an emergency meeting by the legislative leaders in Agenebode yesterday, called for the immediate arrest of Lucky for showing disrespect to the Governor and fake news designed to mislead the public.
In their separate reactions, Oghuma described Obaseki as the best governor who gave vehicles to all legislative leaders across each local government at a time when no one expected it, while Oleleayegbele said it was strange to hear such a story, describing it as a joke.
“We have no reason to vote against Ighodalo because he has espoused his manifesto and is engaging meaningfully with Edo people.”
Igbinake said the allegation was disgraceful, decrying the APC’s desperation and frustration. “Even in our dreams, we will vote for Ighodalo,” he said.
In a communique issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Etsako East Local Government Council, Mr Benjamin Atu, at the end of the emergency meeting by leaders of the 192 councillors, they accused the APC of moves to cause confusion so as to carry out its election rigging plan.
The lawmakers urged the police to investigate the intent of the author of the malicious campaign determined to keep Edo State captive from development.
“The author of the publication has consciously and clearly shown contempt for the legislators and should be arrested for it,” they said.
They expressed confidence that Ighodalo’s victory would humble the Edo State APC and make them spectators in the September governorship election.
“We are completely behind Ighodalo and will deliver victory for him in all of our wards and units. Governor Obaseki is the best thing that has ever happened to Edo State, and we remain committed to him.”
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