Esan Descendants Assembly Calls On Olumide Akpata To Step Down

…Congratulates Okpebholo, Ighodalo on their victory at the polls

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA) on behalf of Esan Nation has called on Olumide Akpata, Edo State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the forthcoming September 21 gubernatorial election to sum up an incredible courage and do history a favour by stepping down for Esan candidates in the race.

In a press statement issued by Prof. Oyaziwo Aluede – Chairman, Dr. Francis Ilenloa Igberaese – Director of Contact and Mr. Tony Okonigene – Director of Information, Media & Publicity, Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA) and made available to newsmen said that Barr. Olumide Akpata would be making a loud statement that he is a unifier and believer of Justice, equity and fairness, known to be the thrust of the legal profession he belongs.

The statement reads in part: “ESAN DESCEDANTS ASSEMBLY

“PRESS RELEASE

“A NOTE OF GRATITUDE TO THE ENTIRE EDO PEOPLE

“On behalf of the Esan Nation, the Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA) wishes to congratulate Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Barr. Asue Ighodalo, the two candidates elected to fly the flags of the two biggest political parties in Nigeria, the All Progressive Congress and the Peoples’ Democratic Party respectively.

“We note that given the high competition leading to the primaries of the political parties, this is a victory for the entire Edo State. It has made us, the Esan Nation to be more confident that we have a state, where justice, equity and fairness will always prevail no matter the odds against such an egalitarianism. We are filled with joy that with the two political nominating Esan candidates, the hope of a land full of equal opportunities for all is now being realized.

“We wish to appreciate all those who made this victory possible in our life time, especially our brothers and sisters who are not of Esan extraction but who were not be-clouded with the ill-fated law of ‘negation and negation’, as we in Esan have never bought into the principle of allowing the stronger ones to swallow the weaker ones and get rid of them.

“In weeks to come, we as a formidable Esan socio-cultural organization will be embarking on a thank you and reconciliation tour to all critical stakeholders in Edo State to further support any of these two candidates during the electioneering processes and in the election fixed for September 21, 2024.”

“Kindly allow us to mention some of protagonists of the success. From the side of PDP, we thank the Governor of Edo State, HE. Godwin Obaseki, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Senator Yisa Braimah, Senator Roland Owie, Elder Dickson Imasogie to mention but a few. From the side of APC, we say thank you to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, Mr. Jarret Tenebe, Mr. Lawrence Okah, Senator Adams Oshiomole and others. The roles you all played in ensuring that Edo is one will not go unrewarded and will not be forgotten in the history of our dear state. We appeal to all stakeholders, especially all the other contestants to sheathe their swords and be part of this historic movement of uniting the Edo people.”

Going further, the statement added: “We hereby call on the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Olumide Akpata  to sum up an incredible courage and do history a favour by stepping down for the Esan candidates in the race. By so doing, he would be making a loud statement that he is a unifier and believer of Justice, equity and fairness, known to be the thrust of the legal profession he belongs.

“We cannot conclude this press release without saying a big thank you to our Father, HRM, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. It is unequivocal that you are the father of all and a firm advocate of the elimination of any regional inequality or inequity. Your fervent prayers for Edo State will forever be a supplication for the unity of our dear state.

“Once again, we congratulate the two candidates of Esan extraction and thank all those who are instrumental to this enduring legacy.

“Prof. Oyaziwo Aluede – Chairman, Dr. Francis Ilenloa Igberaese – Dir. of Contact, Mr. Tony Okonigene – Dir. of Information, Media & Publicity.”