Benin City – The Peticostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN has urged political party candidates in the September 10 Edo governorship election to embrace peace in their quest to govern the state.
Speaking at an interactive session with governorship candidates from different political parties, the Edo state director of Social Security Outreach of PFN, Professor Anthony Ogbeide emphasized that good governance should be the trust of religious groups, policy makers, political leaders and the people who are the voters.
Prof. Ogbeide who said the meeting was to streamline ideas, refine methodologies for the interest of the people at large urged the candidates to be respectful in their campaign statement and desist from lies and blackmail.
He said the development, employment, education, equity in sharing of power and resources, moderate lifestyle and accessibility to the people, periodic evaluation and town hall meeting should be prioritize by the governorship candidates as well as leaving a good legacy that would serve as examples to others.
According to him, “There should be no campaign of calumny. Use the campaign to respectfully unveil your plans to the people you want to govern. It is not a period of accusations and counter accusations and blackmail.
“Make the voting field peaceful without scaring away voters. Accept defeat when it is so obvious and develop the team spirit for successful governance, enduring peace and security in the state “. He said.
Also speaking at the event, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Godwin Obaseki, told the congregation that he wants to be Edo next governor to put smiles, give hope and transform the lives of people of the state.
Obaseki described his ambition as God’s will for Edo people adding that the outcome is left for God to decide.
He said, “The gain I am expecting is the smile on the faces of my people, giving hope to put people. Yes I will get gain but the gain is being able to transform the lives of our people.
“When we came to Edo, they said there was no money to build roads, schools or even provide basis amenities for the people. Every society has enough money for its basic needs but may not have money for extravagant greed”.
Obaseki stressed that there is no plan to islamize the state saying, “I am a Christian, I grew up knowing the crucifix and the Bible and it is right for me to promote my faith. We have to understand that there are certain things government can’t do because people can go to court and challenge it”.
Also present at the event was the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu, Flag bearer of KOWA Party,
