BENIN CITY – Renowned Environmental and Human Rights activist, Rev. David Ugolor has thrown his weight behind the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urging him to feel free to endorse any candidate for the 2016 gubernatorial polls in Edo State.
Rev. Ugolor in a statement issued in Benin City said there is no law anywhere in the country that forbids an incumbent Governor from producing his successor, saying those opposed to Oshiomhole in this regard are not being fair to him.
Rev David Ugolor who is also the founder and Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) said that given the excellent performance of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole this past seven years in office, the only parting gift his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Edo people could offer him is to work with him to produce his successor.
“Give it to Oshiomhole, he has performed creditably well from the testimonies in the streets of Edo land. From his work in the education, health and urban renewal programme, the goodwill is there counting for him, even when he would have left office. It is only fair that he be encouraged to produce his successor.
“But in doing so, I will add that the process should be made fair, open and transparent so that other aspirants in his party would not feel alienated or marginalised because we are operating in a democratic setting. His successor should emerge in a way and manner that, it will not only be heard that the one he backed won the race, but it should be seen by all that the person truly won .” Ugolor stated.
He wondered why some persons are making issues out of Comrade Oshiomhole backing someone to succeed him and queried thus : “Why are they making a fuss over that? What is wrong in supporting someone he strongly feels can step into his shoes to the good of majority of Edo people?
“One thing I can assure Edo people is the fact that Comrade Admas Oshimhole mean well for the people of the state. Given his wealth of experience in Edo state this past seven years and given his pedigree, you will discover that he knows the in and out of all those jostling to become governor. He knows the right person that can sustain the tempo of development in the state which he has embarked upon. He also knows the jesters amongst them. He knows those who will come and empty the state’s treasury. Oshimhole definitely does not want someone who would place the state on a reverse gear.
“Oshimhole will want someone who could even surpass his performance to succeed him and we must understand this very clearly. That is why, the wise thing for all Edo people to do is to queue behind Oshimhole for his successor to Osadebey Avenue.” Ugolor said.
“I therefore urge members of the APC, the aspirants themselves and all well meaning people of Edo State to work with the Comrade Governor to produce his successor. Definitely, everybody cannot be Governor. Someone will head the government, a deputy will be produced and other principal officers. So they should all join hands with him and make it a win-win for the party and Edo people and I trust that Oshiomhole will never betray the confidence reposed in him by Edo people,” Ugolor assured.
