By Simon Ebegbulem
BENIN CITY — THE Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Onikolease Irabor, who recently declared his intention to run for the senatorial seat in Esan Central Senatorial District of Edo State, yesterday, said the people of the area were “hungry for good leadership”, regretting that those who are leading the people today, were  “ products of godfathers.”

He called on labour leaders and activists to join politics,  so as to contribute to the growth of the nation, adding that his decision to run for the Senate was to ensure good representation for the people of his area and to assist Governor Adams Oshiomhole in developing the state.

Mr. Irabor, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City, Edo State, shortly after he launched his senatorial campaign in his senatorial district, said the progress so far achieved by Governor Oshiomhole was a pointer to the fact that activists could salvage the country.

According to him, “we lack good leaders in Esan Central Senatorial District and this is why we are being marginalised. Our people are hungry for good leadership because of the activities of godfathers.”

“That is why people like us decided to come into politics because we have seen what Oshiomhole is doing in Edo State and everybody can see that this is a new era.”

He also called on Nigerians to embrace attitudinal change as a solution to the problem of corruption and other social malaise threatening the various sectors of the country.

Adding that Nigerian leaders have turned themselves into tin gods and deceived the people, thus dragging the country into chaos contrary to the wish and expectations of the masses.

“If there is no change, corruption will continue and the people will suffer. If you are a leader or a follower, be ready to change for good. If there is no change what you are seeing in Edo State today cannot happen. It is because the Governor believes in change and the people are going to reap the benefit of leadership in the state.”

“It is a shame that for many years, we have not had a credible election. It is because of the appointment of people into positions of trust by people who call themselves godfathers. That you are a leader of a political party does not mean that you a godfather. You must follow due process,” he said.