By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BENIN—NO fewer than four persons have indicated their interest to represent Edo North senatorial district in the Senate come 2015 and this is coming on the heels of a warning by associates of the incumbent, Senator Domingo  from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state, to those angling for the seat from Etsako axis, to wait for their turn as they cannot have the sitting governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole and the senatorial position.

Vanguard learnt that among those who have indicated interest for the senatorial slot are the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abubakar Momoh, Mr. Francis Alimikhena and the incumbent, Senator Obende.
While Prof. Ihonvbere is from Owan federal constituency, both Momoh and Alimikhena are from Estako axis of Edo North and Senator Domingo from Akoko-Edo council.

However, a loyalist of  Senator Obende, who spoke in Benin, weekend, Mr Dayo Okomayin, dismissed the threat from other aspirants, saying “we are not spectators in the party. We are not here to clap our hands for the Etsakos. Etsakos have had it twice and Owan once. Now that it is Akoko Edo’s turn, they think they can arm twist us. They should wait for their turn.

“There must be fair play in this game. There must be justice and equity in the distribution of elective offices. The sitting governor is from Etsako, the majority leader of the House of Assembly is also from Etsako, the Chief of Staff to the President is from Etsako, the PDP state chairman is from Etsako, Oshiomhole’s major appointments and key positions were given to Etsako sons and daughters, including but not limited to SUBEB and revenue board.”