The governorship election, holding on September, 2024 in Edo State could become much more robust and competitive if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caved under the moral burden imposed on it by the immediate past minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba who tasked it to pick Mr Anthony Anenih Jnr, the first son of the late Chief Anthony Anenih, as its candidate to face him (Agba) and others in the election.
Agba, a stalwart and leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave PDP the food for thought during the reception ceremony to mark the 5th Memorial Service and Lecture, held in honour of Chief Anthony Anenih, the late sage, prominent politician and inimitable PDP leader.
Obviously referring to an earlier speech by the PDP state’s chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemhin and the various speakers on the occasion, who poured glowing encomiums on the late Chief Tony Anenih (aka The Leader), about his astute leadership traits and how they were beneficiaries of his political leadership and large-heartedness, Prince Agba reminded them that this was the time to pragmatically honour the late political gladiator.
Read Agba: “From what I saw of the late Chief Anenih, he was a builder of men, people, and physical infrastructures, which was the greatest legacy he left behind. When I look around here, there are men and women who he made to be great. And what they and the PDP could do is to say thank you, Chief. And, one way to say this is for you all to make my good friend, Tony Jnr; his son, the PDP governorship candidate in the Edo 2024 election.”
While the first comment received a prolonged thunderous ovation, Agba added in quick retort: “I am also running for the governorship and want to have Anenih Jnr; as a contender, so that one of us would win it and Edo will be better, because it will be in a good hand.
“We are both good persons because we love the Edo people. We want the state to grow. We want to change the present scenario where our people and institutions are disrespected.”
The event, which started with a mass service at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Pascal Omolon presiding, was rounded off in Chief Anenih’s residence, where speeches were made, a lecture delivered by Dr Sam Amadi and guests were treated to entertainments galore.
The event was attended by a galaxy of guests, including Chief James Onanefe Ibori (former governor of Delta State), Chief Tom Ikimi (former Foreign Affairs minister and PDP stalwart), AVM Anthony Okpere retd (former minister of Aviation), Architect Mike Onolememen (former Works minister), Senator Monday Okpebholo, aka Akpakomiza (Senator Clifford Ordia), Chief Joe Edionwele (former House of Representatives member), Hon John Yakubu (former Chairman of Esan Northeast Local Government Council), Dr. Tonnie Iredia (former Director General of the NTA and National Orientation Agency), and Hon Pachal Ugbome (two-time member of the Edo State House of Assembly), among others.
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