A group of sons and daughters of Edo Central Senatorial District based in Europe, Esan Patriots, has called on Kenneth Imansuangbon, a lawyer, to contest for the Edo governorship election in 2016. The call was made at a party held recently by Esan sons and daughters in the United Kingdom, to welcome Imansuangbon back to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Over 1,500 people attended the party, all adorning a white T-shirts bearing legends such as Imansuangbon for Governor 2016” and “We Stand by our son, Brother and Uncle.” The group referred to the barrister as one of the great sons of Esan land, adding: “We the people of Edo Central Senatorial District deserve our turn to occupy Osadebay House. We are very grateful for the ‘unparalleled development’ Governor Adams Oshiomhole brought to Edo State, and the only credible and trustworthy person to continue from where Oshiomhole stopped is Imansuangbon. Edo South and North senatorial districts have had their turn of eight years. It is the turn of Esan land.”

Different speakers eulogised Imansuangbon for his numerous achievements, especially chartable gestures such as scholarship awards to enable Esan sons and daughters to study at home and abroad, sharing rice, sponsoring essay and football competitions in Edo State and across the country; reaching out to widows and orphans and free medical care for the elderly in the state, among several others.

The organiser of the party, Mr Francis Okoemu, Manchester-based terrorism and security expert, and the Executive Director, Blackwell Security Consultant, UK, Limited, gave the keynote speech, which reflected the heartfelt views of the thousands gathered at the event. He described Imansuangbon as one of the most popular sons of Esan land, in particular and Edo State in general: “He is a man who believes in justice, fairness and equity, a philanthropist and servant of the people,” Mr Okoemu noted adding: “Almighty God has done us well, by giving us a great son like Barrister Imansuangbon.”

He then called on all the royal fathers in Edo State to unanimously endorse Imansuangbon as our only candidate for Edo state Governorship 2016.

Mr Okoemu, expressed confidence in the Governor, His Excellency Adams Oshiomhole: “We’re eternally grateful for the uncommon transformation that has occurred in Edo State and the developmental strides taken under your governorship. We support you without reservation, and we trust you to support Esan land to have their turn at ‘Osadebay Avenue. He urged the comrade-governor to listen to the voices of the people of Edo State at home and abroad and support Imansuangbon, saying: ‘The voice of the people is the voice of God.’”

Other speakers at the occasion include Prince Peter Okojie, called on the people to use this opportunity to welcome back our son, brother and uncle, Imansuangbon, who was on sabbatical leave in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “You will all agreed with me that Mr Imansuangbon is one of the founding fathers of (former) Action Congress of Nigeria in Edo State, which is one of the parties that metamorphosed into what is today known as All Progressives Congress. We can’t find a more credible, trustworthy, honest and reliable son than Mr Imansuangbon to take over from our God-sent Oshiomhole.”

Mr Okoemu assured them that he would forward their desire for Imansuangbon to stand for 2016 governorship to the people of Edo State, noting: “We are delighted to be attending a party organised here in United Kingdom to show our support and solidarity for your endorsement. Those of us who know you only through what we have seen of your work have witnessed how you have taken Edo State from what termed ‘backwater’ to the forefront - socially, economically and politically.”

The party concluded with the unanimous endorsement of Mr Imansuangbon as the sole candidate for the governorship and assured him of their heartfelt support.

•Photo shows Edo 2016 guber hopeful, Kenneth Imansuangbon.

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