…Canvasses votes for PDP candidates
…Says Tom Obaseki has experience, expertise to transform Oredo LGA
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in a rare move by an incumbent governor in recent years took to the campaign grounds on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 charging voters to vote for his brother, Dr. Tom Obaseki as Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area of the state.
In making the case for his blood, Obaseki told a tumultuous audience of party enthusiasts and supporters at Urhokpota Hall venue of the campaign rally, located in in heart of the ancient city of Benin Kingdom, that Dr. Tom Obaseki has the experience and expertise to transform the local council.
Today marked the end of the state local government council elections campaign embarked upon by the governor and leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas (LGAs) being the last.
Governor Obaseki explained that he is supporting him not because he is his brother but because he is a credible and competent candidate, who has managed men and resources and didn’t steal their collective patrimony.
The governor said, “Tom Obaseki is a committed personality. He is a man who loves his people and is ready to work for the development of the Council. He has seen what we are doing in the State and will bring it to the local government area.
“I decided to support him not because he is my brother but because of the work he has done. In the last eight years, he has managed over $200 million projects in Edo State, with the World Bank through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).”
Obaseki added, “He has the required experience to transform Oredo. He has been supportive to my administration with his wealth of experience. He has the training and background. He has managed men and resources and will not steal your money.”
On his part, Oredo LGA chairmanship candidate, Dr. Tom Obaseki, while canvassing the people’s votes, said he will complement the governor’s efforts at improving the livelihood of the people, ensuring economic prosperity for the local council, focusing on youth and women empowerment, improved security and welfare of the people.
He said, “Oredo is the heartbeat of Edo State in politics. I promise you that we will prioritise women and youth empowerment. I will support the good works of the governor in improving security at the grassroots level and also ensure the welfare of the people in the council area.”
Obaseki charged voters in the two local councils to come out en masse on September 2, 2023, to vote for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that they are credible and competent persons with integrity.
On the campaign trail were the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo PDP Chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi; Member representing Ikpoba-Okha in the Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Nicholas Asonsere and Member representing Oredo East at the Assembly, Hon. Frank Omosigho, among others.
While in Ikpoba-Okha, the governor urged the voters to cast their ballots for the party’s candidates, noting, “Ikpoba-Okha leads while others follow; no problem in Ikpoba-Okha. I am here to celebrate with you and thank you for you are lucky to have chosen a vibrant, committed and dedicated leader to be the chairman of the Council.
“You people have tried very well in your choice of Chairmanship candidate you made in the person of Eric. He is hardworking, committed, and dedicated to work. He has been here before and has done well and is here again to ensure continuity of progress to ensure development in the council area. With Eric Osayande continuity and progress is sure.”
In his remark, Dr. Eric Iyobo Osayande, noted, “During my first term in office between 2018 and 2021, I successfully completed several projects across Ikpoba-Okha that can be verified. Market construction, as well as healthcare centers, boreholes, police stations, toilets, primary schools, and provided transformers to various communities, among others.”
