OSA DIRECTOR ENDORSES OKPEBHOLO TO WIN EDO ELECTION

Veteran journalist, civil society activist and lawyer endorses Monday Okpebholo of the APC to win the upcoming Governorship election in Edo state in an interview with our correspondent.

Q: What is your assessment of the electioneering campaign and whom do you endorse to win the governorship election in Edo state?

A: Well, in my estimation the campaign has been going fairly well. It has largely been issue based and violence free save for the unwarranted distractions from the PDP, especially the first family in the state.
(Cuts in) What exactly do you mean?
A: One, the first lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki dragged the campaign into the mud by going personal when she questioned the marital status of the candidates of APC and the Labour Party. That was cheap and absolutely unnecessary. Sadly, she started playing the victim when Adams Oshiomhole replied her in kind. The media indulged her with her victim card. But the truth is, she crossed the red line first. Also, I have observed a measure of desperation on the part of the out going governor, Godwin Obaseki. He is literally calling for mutiny. The other time he said Edo state and by extension Nigeria will burn if certain APC stalwarts were not arrested and some of his PDP supporters released. In the mega rally held by his party last Saturday he said that the coming election is a do or die affair. But come Saturday, we are going to do and not die. My worry is, why is a governor on his way out heating up the polity? Is he on the ballot? Is he not confident enough that his works will speak for him? Honestly, I think the man is exhibiting the fangs of a desperate politician.

Q: In your estimation whom do you think will win from among the three leading candidates?

A: Without equivocation and dilly dallying, I believe that the ticket of Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa of the APC will clinch the election come Saturday, 21st September, 2024.

Q: Why do you think the APC candidate will win ?
A: I am confidently speaking based on ethnographic research. He has an unassailable path to victory. I did an analytical write up on how the election will play out. It will shock you to know that Okpebholo and Idahosa will win with a possible landslide victory. I will give you my write up. But let me briefly tell you that in the six local government areas, LGA in Edo North senatorial district, APC will win five. Only Akoko Edo might go to the PDP. In Edo Central, four of the five LGAs will go to Okpebholo, only the LG of Asue will go to PDP. The battleground is Edo south. In Orhionmwon LG, where the Generalismo of Edo politics, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu hails from and also the former deputy governor, Pius Odubu will certainly go to APC. The two LGs in Ovia will go to APC due to the good works done by Idahosa who is a serving member of the House of representatives. The Labour Party will eat into the votes of PDP in the metropolis. Therefore, Oredo might go to APC while Ikpoba Okha, and Egor could swing either way to any of the three leading political parties.

Q: There is this talk that Okpebholo is illiterate and can’t speak good English so why are you rooting for him?

A: Good leadership is not all about oratory and eloquence. It is about understanding what your people want and connecting with them. A good leader must be humble. You can see humility dripping all over Okpebholo. We don’t need a leader who thinks he has money and only needs your vote to get to Osadebey Avenue and starts displaying extravagant arrogance. Okpebholo has verifiable pedigree of achievements with what he has done in his few months as a senator. This is complimented by his deputy, Idahosa who is regarded as Mr. Projects by his constituents in Ovia. At least, I can approximate their capacity. Again, when Ambode was fielded as governorship candidate in Lagos state he was not saying anything. Many people feared he was not going to perform as he was not viewed as a good speaker. But today it is debatable on who is a greater achiever as Lagos state governor between Fashola and Ambode despite Ambode serving only four years. I see Okpebholo in the light of Ambode. I am speaking from experience.

A: But Asue is a great corporate player with good track record and Akpata did well as president of NBA Why not any of them?

A: I have a Masters degree in Corporate Governance from the U.K so I should know a few things about corporate politics and achievements. There are two types of corporate players, the theoretical corporate player and the pragmatic corporate player who is usually called an entrepreneur that invests his money to float companies and industries. Asue is a theoretical corporate player, and when you advice those who invest their money on what to do, along the way they will meet with bumps and contours, so succeeding will depend on their capacity to overcome such obstacles. But when they succeed the theoretical corporate player will claim credit. However, when the pragmatic corporate player fails the theoretical corporate player will exonerate himself. Therefore, for me I am more enthralled by the pragmatic corporate player. I don’t know how many companies or industries were floated by Asue. Honestly, I don’t like making statements that will border on the personality of any one. However, in the case of Akpata I will just say that I am not one to assess someone with just two years out of a life of over 50 years. The NBA presidency was a two years affair

Q: Finally, it is surprising that you are publicly endorsing Okpebholo when you did not do that for your friend, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu when he contested twice?

A:( laugh) Honestly, my relationship with Ize Iyamu goes beyond friendship. He is my brother! The truth is, my support for him can be taken for granted anytime. I don’t need to announce it, which ever party he contested I always supported him because I believe he has the undiluted political sagacity, experience and wisdom to do a very good job as governor. It is painful Edo state never had the opportunity to showcase his talent, capacity and knowledge as a governor.