Says good governance is non-negotiable

By Simon Ebegbulem

THe Edo Mass Movement (EMM), a socio-political group led by two-time former Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia was formally unveiled to the people of the state, last weekend, with the aim of searching for a suitable successor for Governor Adams Oshiomhole in 2016.

The former military tactician who has not hidden his appreciation for the developmental projects of the Oshiomhole administration in the last six years, had always stressed the need for the people of the state to elect another governor who possesses the wisdom and foresight of Governor Oshiomhole so that the state will not go back to the days when it witnessed infrastructural decay.

Prior to last Saturday’s event, the EMM, which has structures in the three senatorial districts, had been meeting across the state with community leaders, youths and market women.

The group enjoys support in the rural areas, both from elders youths and veteran politicians, a strategy that Dr Ogbemudia is using to get the grassroots support for whomever the group decides to support at the end of the day.

It was a successful outing therefore last weekend when the group unveiled its logo and senatorial leaders to commence the search for Oshiomhole’s successor.

The governor whose tenure will come to an end by November 12, 2016, had enjoyed cordial relationship with Dr Ogbemudia, unlike the former chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih and the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion who have remained in the trenches ready to battle the governor at any giving opportunity.

The Comrade Governor appears to have demystified governance in the state and cut the excesses and domineering nature of some of these leaders in the politics of the state. These leaders who are known never to give up, have been boxed to a corner while they pray and hope to kick the All Progressives Congress, APC government out of power in the state so that they can bounce back.

The difference between them and Dr Ogbemudia is that while the latter has elected to search for a credible candidate who will ensure good governance in the state so as to avoid destroying the legacies of Oshiomhole, irrespective of the political party the candidate may belong, Chief Anenih and the Esama of Benin Kingdom are stuck with their party the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Acceptable candidate

Dr Ogbemudia

However, Dr Ogbemudia’s event was graced by representatives of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Social Democratic Party, SDP, the Ijaws, Itsekiris, Bini palace chiefs under the aegis of Otu Odolevbo-Osioba, youth groups from the three senatorial districts and many others.

In his address, Dr Ogbemudia assured that after the search, a candidate that will be acceptable to all the people of the state no matter the status will emerge and that candidate will be the next governor of Edo state after Oshiomhole.

He said: “ My dear friends, brothers and sisters, I am happy to welcome us all here today, to mark a milestone to our journey towards our noble destination. To have come so far had taken the efforts of many patriots, some of whom are no more. Among our departed stalwarts is Madam Modino Emovon, a formidable leader in her life time.

”Our march towards our goal is the service of our people. Good governance has become the persistent demand of the citizenry. Over time, people from different works of life and from different political affiliations have to come to see me in my private capacity on the same matter of governance. I have also in my private capacity toured some communities and held consultations with some individuals the conclusion has been the same-good governance. While I feel flattered by the generous comments of different personalities, who think I should spear heard the effort, ‘I also believe that collective efforts are needed, and these efforts need to be organized for the attainment of our lofty goal.

”In a democracy, an organization like EMM operates in the name of the people, and so we are obliged to properly inform the public that EMM exists.

”EMM shall function for the sake of good governance for as long as the partners and members can persuade and serve the public. Categorically, for the purpose of the 2016 gubernatorial election in Edo state, the EMM shall support a candidate and a political party devoted to good governance on account of their antecedent and inclination. With the following, on behalf of our partners and teeming members, I am glad to proclaim the EMM this blessed day.”

After his speech, a retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Isaac Aliyu unveiled the logo of the EMM.

However, they were insinuations in some quarters that the group may be fronting for a particularly governorship aspirant in the state and not actually searching for a credible candidate.

A member of the executive of EMM, Dr Okunzuwa Osawaru, swiftly debunked that insinuation while speaking with Vanguard.

He said: “This is not true, I can tell you categorically. But you know how people behave each time some people have laudable ideas that will benefit the masses, they tend to go against it due to their selfish interest. EMM is not fronting for anybody

”I can categorically tell you that nobody is sponsoring the group, this is a personal sacrifice Dr Ogbemudia wants to make for his people because of the love and support people have shown him over the years. Nobody has been excluded except anybody who wants to exclude himself from this group.

Clandestine operation

Oshiomhole

The EMM is an independent organization not in any clandestine operation to promote the interest of any any particular person. In due course after relevant consultations the party and the individual the EMM will support will be made known.  ”The proclamation as witnessed is to inform the public that we are commencing the search and people should follow and monitor how transparent it is going to be. For now we are talking to SDP, APGA and APC and the discussions will be open to everybody, nobody will be excluded.

Vanguard learned that invitations to governorship aspirants to appear before the group will commence in December. Those who are in the race to succeed Oshiomhole include the incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu (APC), former Minister of Works, Engr.Chris Ogienwoyi (APC), Kenneth Imasuagbon (APC), Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (APC), former Governor Osarhiemen Osunbor (APC) and the state Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie (APC).

Others are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (PDP), Senator Ehigie Uzamere (PDP), Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Chief Solomon Edebiri (PDP), Arch.Mike Onolememen (PDP) and former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Lucky Imasuen.