A group known as Akoko-Edo/Owan Credible Alliance For Better Representation has faulted the position of two former governors of Edo State, Chiefs John Odigie-Oyegun and Lucky Igbinedion and other political leaders from Benin for declaring that the position of the governorship of the state should not be zoned to any particular senatorial district.
The group said the Benin leaders should support a power shift to Edo Central rather than leaving it to the political parties to decide.
The group was reacting to a recent statement credited to Odigie-Oyegun after their meeting where he said “constitutionally the door is open for everybody to contest for the position of governor, not me nor the governor can foreclose what will happen or decide on the interest of others. The issue of zoning is the problem of political parties and not ours.”
In a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, the spokesman of the group; Com Rolland Igbadun said the group would mobilize Edo North voters against any political party that would field Edo South candidates.
According to him “In the Interest of equity, fairness and social justice, Edo Central should have the ticket of all political parties. They have been abandoned for too long. Such practice won’t make room for developments. Chief Oyegun and Igbinedion should serve as role models to the younger generation instead of preaching politics of dominance.
“The peace and security we enjoy in the state should not be taken for granted. Edo people are not pushovers. They must not be allowed to succeed with their intentions of allowing power to remain in Edo South. Edo is for all. So, no one section or tribe should be allowed to hold on to power forever. It will only cause more crises for the state. That is what we don’t want. All parties must zone their tickets to Edo Central.
“If Edo South gets the ticket again, it will certainly instigate bad blood amongst Edo citizens. This move will not sit well with Edo North voters because this might cause voters to rethink their loyalty and support to the party whether PDP or APC. Let the right thing be done so that everyone will be seen being carried along”, Igbadun noted.
