By Oladipo Airenakho
Benin, Edo Nigeria – A group of Edo people in the Diaspora has endorsed a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
The people, under the aegis of Godwin Obaseki Diaspora Support Group, (GODSP) cut across America and Europe declared this when they paid a visit to his Campaign office in Benin City on Monday.
The spokesman for the group, Barr. Efosa Ogierhiakhi, accompanied by other executive members said their decision was made, following a teleconference with over 600 members of the organization.
He described Obaseki as economically judicious and experienced, adding that he has portrayed himself as a problem solver, capable of taking the state to the next level as enshrined in his declaration speech.
Ogierhakhi added that after a careful analysis of the pedigree and carriage of all the governorship aspirants, Obaseki as a choice for the people was endorsed by his group.
His words: “In that meeting which was held in April, we objectively screened with our vast ability and intellect, the person that has the capacity to handle the office of the governor. It was that meeting that we endorse Mr Godwin Obaseki.
“The reason why we endorsed Obaseki as the next governor of Edo state was majorly because of his lengthy profile and beside that his economic exhibition so far as the chairman of the Edo state economic team.”
According to him while the organization is pursing the spirit of credible leadership, “we represent the opinion that though we don’t leave here, we have loved ones at home, we have stake in the election and we should play our little part to make sure that a credible leadership comes in.”
History, he said, has proved that not everyone who has handled the governor’s office has the capacity to do the right thing and that as a result they were trying to avoid that mistakes in order to make sure that the future of the coming generation is not mortgaged to the hands of the very few without the capacity to lead the office.
In his response, Mr Godwin Obaseki appreciated the group for their gesture and noted that he would thrive to meet the expectations of the people.
He described, as constructive and awakening of senses, the endorsement, noting that there was not better encouragement than that.
“So let me welcome you and thank you for this gesture. For me it is quite constructive and I am awakening to a sense of responsibility because there is a reason why people believe and trust you with power. For me one has to be careful about it and not take it for granted.
“I want to tell you that because I cherish such gestures I am going to do all within my power and I am recommitting myself to this course. With what you have done today, I am further encouraged.
He promised to always engage them, noting the hugeness and importance of Edo people in the Diaspora, adding: “I will utilise the asset you have in ensuring you bring back the benefit of our sweat home for the benefit of our people.”
