By Adesina Soyooye
A disgusted and angry Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has told the people of Edo State that their Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was punished, and suffered indignity for daring to protect the pride and good of Edo people.
Oyegun was a two-time Governor of Edo State, and a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The respected retired Federal Permanent Secretary said he stands by what he had always said that Obaseki was treated very badly by the APC for defending his people, and standing for their pride.
Oyegun was forced to issue the statement for two reasons.
One, a statement credited to him, purportedly predicting victory for the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Two, a viral video made by ACP chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, asking the Edo electorate to reject Obaseki on September 19, and vote Ize-Iyamu. In the video, Tinubu, also, installed himself as the leader of all democrats in Nigeria, irrespective of party affiliations.
But in a statement he personally signed, the former National Chairman of the APC, said he couldn’t have issued any statement as his stand on the scandalous humiliation of Obaseki has not changed.
Asking the eloctorate to vote their coscience, he reminded them that Obaseki suffered indignity and humiliation for standing-up for them and, therefore, couldn’t have issued such a statement. The statement, Oyegun said, could only have from a demented, criminal mind.
Oyegun, also, indirectly chided Tinubu, warning him not to dare meddle in Edo politics, or who becomes the Governor of Edo.
Oyegun: “I read with great consternation and disgust a statement purportedly issued by me on a so-called outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo State.
“First let me state, emphatically, that at no time did I issue any statement, verbally or written, on the fortunes of the APC, or any other party in the imminent election.”
“The said statement which is making rounds in social media could only have originated from sick minds and desperate persons of criminal orientation.
“My views and statements on the Edo State political situation have been consistent.
“I strongly advised against the mistreatment of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki by the late unlamented National Working Committee, (NWC), of the APC, and his subsequent forced exit from the APC.
“Governor Obaseki stood bravely for the dignity and pride of his people, and in the process suffered unacceptable indignities.
“In the matter of who governs Edo State, the people are sovereign and no individual or group, whatever their status, can decide on their behalf.
“I stand with the people of Edo State and urge them to come out massively to exercise their democratic right!
“They should vote for good governance, common decency, principled leadership, especially in the political arena and the protection of their vital democratic rights.
“They should, by their votes, make clear that it is their right to choose their Governor and nobody else! There is no room for fence sitters.
“This is a special situation and primitive loyalties should, and must be set aside.
Remember Mr President’s admonition in an equally challenging pre-election situation in Imo State.
“Vote your conscience”. There will be peace on Saturday. Come out and vote your conscience.”
