Traditional rulers in Owan East Local Government of Edo State have collectively endorsed Governor Godwin Obaseki for introducing reform in government and showing maximum respect for the traditional institution.

The endorsement took place recently at the palace of the Chairman Owan East Traditional Council, HRH Salufu Elabor (J.P.), Ogie/Clan Head of Ivbiaro in Afuze.

According to the royal fathers, “In 2018 Governor Obaseki graciously approved the 5% monthly statutory allocation accruing to the traditional rulers council in the State that was stopped by the administration of Adams Oshiomhole.

“This is unprecedented and portrays your favourable disposition to the royal fathers and the traditional institution in the state.

“The Edo State traditional rulers Council are proud to have you as a Governor and are expecting more from you during your second tenure because you will win.”

Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution Elabor expressed confidence that Owan East will deliver their vote to the man who has restored honour and dignity to the traditional institution in the state.

His words: “Your Excellency, you’ll recall that Owan East local government voted for you en-masse during the 2016 gubernatorial election that gave you overwhelming victory and in exercise of this mandate, we have followed your developmental strides which are products of careful planning, pragmatism and delivery.

“The reforms introduced into governance both in education, health, infrastructural development, workers' welfare and pension are worthy of commendation.

“We reiterate the commitment of the traditional institution to partner with your Government to ensure peace and development in all domains of the state.”

In Warrake, Owan East Local Government Area, Governor Obaseki commissioned a Primary Health Care Center as part of his administration's effort in impacting on the lives of the people.

The project was commissioned by Mrs Maryam Shaibu, wife of the State Deputy Governor, in the presence of the Governor and his deputy, and she assured the women of the area that the Governor will not let them down.

Mrs Shaibu, who spent some moments dancing with other female folks before the commissioning, urged the people of Owan Local Government to join force to preserve the democracy that they laboured to entrench, in order to move the state to the next phase of development.

She maintained that the people of Edo State will no longer be treated as subservient.

“When you vote for Obaseki, you shall be able to voice your opinion without fear. This is not a government that’s democratic only in form but a government that’s democratic in substance through good governance,” the Edo Deputy Governor’s wife declared.

She then urged the people to rise above base instincts which tended to satisfy individual and group interest, at the expense of the development of the state. The campaign train later proceeded to other wards for campaign.

Highlight of the visit to Owan East Local Government Area by the Obaseki/Shaibu campaign train, was the high level of defection of All Progressive Congress (APC) members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and tearing of APC membership cards by the decampees, who vowed to deliver Governor Obaseki in the forthcoming September election.