How next Edo governor will emerge, by Igbinedion

Group tasks politicians on development

THE race for who becomes the next governor of Edo state which is due next year has begun as its former helmsman, Chief, Lucky Igbinedion has broked his long silence saying he would play a prominent role when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) picks its candidate for the election. .

He spoke on weekend at the Ugbor palatial residence of the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff during his administration, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his wife, when the couple celebrated their birthday.

Igbinedion claimed he is well loved by the people of the state asserting that till date he remained the only governor whose victory at the polls was never challenged in any court of law.

He said he remained a staunch member of the PDP and that owing to his high rating in the party he is in a prime position to play a role on who will be the next governor of the state.

He said whoever would be the next governor must be one of the founding members of the PDP in the state and a member of the “family.”

Ize-Iyamu is one of those been tipped as a contender in the 2016 gubernatorial race.

Meanwhile, a socio-economic and cultural group, Edo People’s Assembly (EPA) yesterday said it would mount pressure on politicians, and other wealthy individuals living in and outside the state and irrespective of political affiliation to attract development to their various communities in the state. .

The body also vowed to hold candidates who may emerge from the various parties for next year governorship election in the state accountable to the people.

Addressing members of the public in an interactive session in Benin City spokesperson for the body Don Pedro Obaseki, disclosed that what necessitated the formation of the group is to have united forum through which politicians in the state would be held accountable.

He said the main objectives and immediate agenda of the association is to reposition Edo State to its enviable position, as the ‘’ Heartbeat,’’ of Nigeria, come 2016, and to ensure the ascendancy of a governor, who would in every sense make life meaningful for Edo indigenes.

“The Edo People’s Assembly, as an association of Edo patriots, shall create a platform where the different socio-cultural and socio-political activities of Edo origin shall come together to meet, strategise, network and learn about our common struggles, provide opportunities for Edo People, and build a social justice and development movement for all Edo people.

“We shall engage our people. We shall knock on every door on every fool. We shall talk to every face in every place. We are the embodiment of the Edo Nation-It is voice, it is face and it is thrust.’’ He explained that the group is not affiliated to any political party. .