The traditional ruler of Edo and Edo people, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has expressed his discontent with godfatherism and presentation of a consensus candidate by a faction of party chieftains to govern the people of Edo State.
Describing the present state of political power play in Edo State as “Ghana Must Go politics”, the Oba said in a statement on Thursday; “Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes.
Edo State has become the limelight of political tussle ahead of the
governorship elections scheduled to be held on 19th of September. The feud
between the sitting governor, Governor Godwin Obaseki and the former governor
and National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has been a focus of
discussion in political circles and across the media.
Speaking further on the heated contest for power between the two, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo said the two “political vices” are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy.
The 40th Oba of the Benin Empire also denied rumour that he influenced some
aspirants to step down for a particular candidate.
“The palace totally denounces this evil
speculation and condemns those that originated it,” he said.
“Rumour mongers are reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who
attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient throne of
Benin Kingdom, which will normally be for their selfish ends.”
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N‘Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpoiokpolo, the Oba of Benin has said times without number that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics.
“The three prayer points of the Oba of Benin in the democratic process have always been as follows; that God and our ancestors should give us a governor that will accord respect to traditional institutions, develop this state and provide food on the table for the masses.
“The Omo N’Oba strongly advises that in order
to eschew recurrent socio political conflict that seems to constantly ravish
the state, making Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country in how
politicians manage the affairs of Edo people, our Edo political actors must
eradicate the twin evil political vices of Godfatherism and CONSENSUS
CANDIDATE.
“These two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of
democracy. In other words this business of coercing aspirants to step down for
another candidate for whatsoever reason is undemocratic. It will not augur well
for the development of democratic process in Nigeria.
“As the various political parties go about the
process of selecting their candidates through their respective party primaries,
we urge all to exercise the highest standards of maturity and sportsmanship, as
the desire to bring about the best for the people of Edo State cannot be
compromised nor sacrificed on the altar of intolerance, rumour mongering and
fake news.”
Vanguard had reported that Obaseki was disqualified from contesting in the
APC governorship primary elections as well as two others; Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi
and Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
Following rumour that the governor was
considering defecting to another party, major opposition party, the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its willingness to welcome him.
PDP on Thursday announced the postponement of its primary election. A move
purported to be a delay to afford Obaseki more time to cross over.