By Iduozee Paul, Benin
Chief Nyesom Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Waziri Tambuwa of Sokoto and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta states were among governors from the South-South and South-East states and key PDP personalities who graced the grand finale campaign of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State capital.
The governors, in their separate speeches, charged the electorate to vote and protect their votes.
First to speak was the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who, said Obaseki has done his best in going round the 192 wards to solicit for their votes noting that the large number of persons that turned out at the rally was a clear attestation that he has done what he needed to do.
Governor Wike said going by the number of persons at the rally, the Edo governor has already won the election and that the electorate must compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to announce the election result in Obaseki’s favour.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki
He said the electorate must cast their votes for Obaseki to end god-fatherism in the state stressing that the state must be a starting point in ending god-fatherism in Nigeria.
Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwa said the people of the state must rise to protect their votes and should not be intimidated or allow themselves to be enticed by money.
“I hear that somebody is coming here with a bullion van. Do not sell your vote. Do not be intimidated, vote and let it be counted. Vote for continuity”, he advised.
Also speaking, Governor IfeanyiOkowa of Delta State commended Obaseki for his zeal in taking his campaigns round the 192 wards, a feat that has not been done in the country.
Okowa said those calling him an outsider trying to dabble into Edo State politics should have a rethink because he is part and parcel of the state noting that his grandmother is from Igbanke while his wife is also from Igbanke.
Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, said voting for Obaseki the second time will guarantee Edolites a brighter future and for their unborn children.
National chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus said the European Union and other lovers of democracy all over the world must rise to ensure that the Edo State governorship election is free, fair and credible.
He said the ban recently placed on some political leaders in the country was a welcome development noting that such should be extended to any politician who carries out such an act in the governorship election in the state.
On his part, the Edo State governor and governorship candidate of the PDP, Godwin Obaseki, thanked all the governors who came to stand by him.
He said his campaigns round the 192 wards has opened his eyes to some of the challenges faced by most of the communities in the state and promised to address the situation in his second tenure.
He also said joining the PDP has made him to know the importance of brotherhood, stressing that the PDP governors have shown him love and concern in recent times.
The governor boasted that he has successfully conquered the local god-fatherism and now the fight would be on how to conquer it nationally.