I see better days ahead for Edo State. I watched the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki yesterday as he addressed guests who gathered at the St Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City venue of the Special Thanksgiving service in honour of the first Civilian Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun who clocked 80 years yesterday.

Governor Obaseki assured the crowd and all Edo people that the difference that existed between himself and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will soon be amicably resolved, and peace will rain again in the political firmament of Edo State. This is good and extremely symbolic for the man, Chief John Odigie Oyegun who, by character and deeds over his 80 years sojourn on earth is a man of peace.

It is, therefore a cheery news in my consideration given the fact that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancor and acrimony. I am sure that the request of our revered monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokplo, Oba Ewuare II to President Buhari during his visit to Aso Rock to intervene in the difference between the two friends and political leaders of Edo State would have ignited the light on the other end of the tunnel. We would continue to value this royal visit to Aso Rock by our Oba to solicit for peace among the duo of Obaseki and Oshiomhole. Oba ghato Okpere Ise!

As former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill puts it, “it is better to jar-jar than to war war.” It is imperative at this point to call on all lovers of Edo State to swing their support behind the peace initiative for the successful resolution of all issues that had existed between the two great friends.
What I know of both parties is the fact that they both mean well for Edo State and they all want the growth and development of Edo State. The issues at stake obviously boarders on principles in the overall interest of Edo people. But sincerely, Edo people want peace, Edo people want progress and they want to have a government that is roundly addressing the numerous development challenges buffeting the most homogenous state in the country. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole did his very best for Edo State. He opened the eyes of Edo people to many deprivations they had suffered over the years from a disastrous party, the PDP.

We are living witnesses to the fact that Oshiomhole, against all odds, nominated and helped in campaigning for the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki at the 2016 Governorship election in the state. They both moved from local government to local government. From ward to ward campaigning for the APC. One catch phrase of Oshiomhole to the good people of Edo State was that “this man Obaseki will perform better than me in office. That is why I want you people to vote for him.”

True to the electioneering promise of Comrade Oshiomhole, Governor Obaseki swung into action as soon as he was inaugurated and since then, Edo has not been the same again in terms of development. Everyone in Edo State can attest to this. The man now goes with the sobriquet “wake and see governor,” meaning, you could go to bed and overnight wake up to see a new development project at advanced stage of completion in your neighborhood. It is the first of its kind in the state.

It is, therefore, crucial to reiterate my earlier call on all APC members, whether supporting Governor Obaseki or Oshiomhole to sheath their swords now. It was time members of the APC ended the needless bickering. All those fanning the embers of disunity and feud should now have a re-think in line with the latest developments. All those writing various articles and social media write-ups for or against both men must henceforth desist from doing so. If such persons fail, they may be left behind in the new direction the Edo APC is heading. All external forces that were poking their unsolicited nostrils in the seeming difference between the duo of Oshiomhole and Obaseki must now learn to mind their business as both men no longer need such intrusion.

Resolving their difference is needed for the obvious reasons. The APC is in power and government in Edo State and we cannot afford to trade it away to those who tumbledown the state for nearly a decade.

It is equally important that those currently pursuing peace for both men should take some bold steps to restrain our party men and women, especially our active youths from accentuating the crisis. They should also look into issues that led us to this situation and proffer measures to amicably resolve them, so that it will be a win-win for all APC members in Edo State and a prove to our distractors and foes that we are better than them, anytime, any day.

Edo people want more progress and development from the APC-led government. Nedoghama, kevbe Alaghodagho, Edo people must be vigilant and resist the forces of darkness pushing for crisis amongst political leaders that mean well for the state.

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• Mr. Dan Owegie is a founding member and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Edo State.