•Ighodalo not a push-and-start candidate, Obaseki boasts

•We'll develop the blue economy along River Niger — Ighodalo

The Open Field of Ogbaki Primary School, Agenebode, headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area, on Wednesday turned a carnival ground as Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, led the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Asue Ighodalo and his running mate Osarodion Ogie Esq, in the September 21 governorship election, and in company of other top party chieftains to canvass for votes.

Bouyed by the teeming crowd, Obaseki declared that Edo needs a very capable hand to pilot its affairs. He said given the level of suffering currently ravaging Nigeria today, it would be a big disservice to the state to elect somebody who is grossly incompetent and incapable of managing it. He emphasised that a state like Edo, which is already enjoying good governance needs a competent and capable hands to continue with the good works and that is why he brought Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie to continue the good work.

Obaseki got the crowd into a roaring laughter when he declared that: "Asue Ighodalo is not a push and start candidate."

He further assured the people that the foundation ceremony for the School of Agriculture (Fishry and Aqua Culture) which has been laid is sure to continue with a man like Asue Ighodalo. "He will continue with the project and complete it for the people of Etsako East."

The governor went further to say that for more development to continue in Edo State, the people need a government of continuity and Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie are the best bet to do just that.

In his address, Ighodalo thanked the people for the show of love and support for both the party and his candidature.

He promised that if elected, all ongoing projects will be completed and more will be started.

Ighodalo said he will create wealth for the people from the riverine zone between Illushi in Esan South East and Agenebode along the River Niger by developing the blue economy potential of the region.

He charged the cheering crowd to come out enmasse on September 21 to vote for the umbrella.

Earlier, the PDP Chairman in the local government, welcomed the party campaign team and the governor to the local government.

He assured the candidate of their support and vote, noting that there will not be anything like intimidation and they are fully prepared to cage the lions and tigers on that day.

A chieftain of the party, High Chief Alaba Oshoguma, thanked the governor for delivering on his promise to the people of the area and for bringing back school of agriculture to the local government, electricity, water and other ongoing projects. He assured the governor of their vote come September 21 as a thank you gesture.

Also speaking, Roseline Adomi, a leader of one of the formidable support groups, also thanked the governor for performing grand breaking ceremony of the school of agriculture.

She pointed out other projects and promise that their vote will be a thank you vote.

The Council chairman, Hon. Mrs. Benedicta Attoh, assured the governor that Etsako East local government is a done deal for PDP.

In his speech, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, thanked the people for their support and received hundreds of defectors from the APC.

Braimoh Benjamin, a former member of the APC from Ward 8, who joined the PDP, said they are in PDP to deliver Ighodalo as governor come 21 of September. He said Ighodalo is more capable to lead Edo State than any other candidate.

Another defector, who was simply introduced as Collins, said he left the APC because of their lies. He declared that the PDP represents light and the way forward for Edo State.

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