By Kolawole Ojebisi
Former Governor of Edo state, Oshiomhole’s efforts to get the blessing of an array of high ranking chiefs in Benin for the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu Sunday, may have failed to materialize, reports say Monday.
The chiefs, who claimed they’re not allowed by the virtue of their traditional positions to endorse candidates, said Ize-Iyamu should try his luck at the poll come September 19, 2020.
The New Diplomat had reported how Oshiomhole had apologized to traditional rulers Sunday for backing Obaseki in 2016 adding that it was a mistake that would not repeat itself.
The former National Chairman of the APC, who went on his knees to plead with the the traditional rulers, said Ize-Iyamu was a different kettle of fish who would deliver all his electoral promises.
The chiefs said Oshiomhole’s persuasion, regardless, they would not be swayed to dabble in politics as their positions enjoin them to be for all candidates.
They added that even if they had a preferred candidate, the nature of their positions would preclude them from campaigning openly for the candidate.
“Edo people are very rational people, they know who to vote for on September 19. Some of us are pensioners and we know the candidate that will not delay our monthly pension. The civil servants, teachers and other government workers know the candidate that will prioritise their wellbeing and sustain the ongoing reforms in all sectors of the state,” reports quoted the Chiefs anonymously.
Some of the Chiefs who occupy very sensitive positions in the palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, said would join the Benin monarch in prayers for a peaceful election in the state.
“Some of us came for this meeting with Oshiomhole to hear what message he has for us. But I felt embarrassed when he went down on his knees to start begging us to vote for the APC candidate. Oshiomhole said he made a mistake for campaigning for Obaseki in 2016. What is the guarantee that he is not making a worse mistake this time?
“We are not children, we can’t be manipulated by politicians. Oshiomhole had his time as governor for eight years, and all Benin people supported him. He should allow Edo people to choose their leader this time, without being hoodwinked,” one of the chiefs said.
