By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—THE Iviukhua community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has thrown its weight behind Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s decision to support a successor who will continue with the ongoing development in the state.

Speaking during a visit to the governor in Benin City, weekend, President-General of Iviukhua community, Dr Kennedy Izuagbe, assured the governor that he has the total support of Iviukhua people.

He appealed to the governor “to diligently search for a worthy successor who will preserve the legacies of your administration and even improve on them.

“Refuse to be deterred by antics or blackmail from any quarter but be wary of sycophants. This is their season. We are, however, not bothered because we know that you are a veteran in this game and we pray God to direct you to make a wise choice.

“We equally urge you to prepare for the challenges ahead as it has become obvious that having successfully dismantled the godfatherism structure in Edo politics, the need for a compassionate and true political leader for our state has become auspicious, especially after November 2016. Iviukhua community, therefore, wants to formally endorse you as the Political Leader (not godfather) of Edo State upon your successful handover to a new governor in November.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole said he remains resolute that only the best would emerge as governor of the state.

He said: “On the issue of political direction, I refuse to be a hypocrite. There are a lot of things politicians do which I don’t believe in and I chose my style. I emulate what works.

“Everybody holds meetings to choose who they want to support based on individual calculations, but I know for a fact that what we need is a governor that can touch the lives of everyone, that sees Edo as one constituency regardless of where he comes from, the man who will bond our people together.

“The best way to bond the people together is to extend development across the three senatorial districts and that is why no one can accuse me of not doing anything in any local government. Any local government area I go to, I  can point at several projects I have executed.”