By Abiola Olawale
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has revealed real reasons behind his acrimonious relationship with his predecessor, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Obaseki, who spoke during a campaign rally at Opujie Primary School, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, said the reason Oshiomhole quarrelled with him was because of a top chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the late Chief Tony Anenih.
The governor explained that his decision to declare a state burial in honour of Anenih was the reason Oshiomhole fought with him.
He said: “When Chief Anenih died, I was not in PDP, but I declared a state burial for him because of his contributions to our dear state and Nigeria.
“This was one of the things that created issues between me and Oshiomole, who never wanted it.
“He considered it an unforgivable sin, which he could not overlook.
“But I have to do what is good.
“We are all one. Edo State is one. And that is why I am here today.
“For Edo to be one and united, I have to support Esan for governor.
“And not just an Esan man, but a capable, competent, intellectually sound person with a good track record in the person of Asue Ighodalo.
“The candidate the APC brought was a Benin man, and the APC never believed in an Esan governorship agenda or an Esan man becoming governor until it dawned on them, so they hurriedly packaged one through the back door.”
Obaseki declared that the need to move Edo State forward requires a candidate like Ighodalo, adding: “The PDP candidate is more experienced and competent to take Edo to the next level and so I urge you all to come out en-masse and vote on the 21 and elect him as the next governor by voting for the PDP.”
