Ikimi backs Oshiomhole’s re-election bid

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, has backed Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s bid for a second term.

The Edo governorship election has been scheduled to hold on July 14 and Ikimi, a leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria in the state, believes Oshiomhole has done enough to pick the ACN ticket for the poll.

Speaking during the Edo State ACN Executive Committee meeting in Benin on Monday, Ikimi said Oshiomhole had also proved to be a good leader and should be supported.

He said the ACN leadership in the state had decided to back the governor for the election for that reason.

He said, “We all gather here today as members of a great party that has in all-purpose made the people of Edo proud by the good work of the Comrade Governor. He has been able to show through his good work that the Action Congress of Nigeria in Edo State is a party worthy of our trust.

“Governor Adams Oshiomhole as made every member of our party proud. He has made the people of the state proud. There would have been no need for governorship primary in Edo, but for INEC rules, which stipulates that all parties must hold primaries to decide those to contest in the governorship election.

“Our critics would say the ACN is a Yoruba party, but since then they have seized to say so. Very soon we will be doing our governorship election, and it is we will come out to reward the governor for his good work and his unsurpassed dedication to the development of Edo State.”

Vice-Chairman of the party in the South-South, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, denied plotting to stop Deputy Governor Pius Odubu from being Oshiomhole’s running mate for a second term.

Although, he admitted there had been some disagreements between members of the party, he urged the members to put the past behind them and work together for success in the July 14 election.

Oshiomhole said, “What we are witnessing today gladdens my mind to no end, showing that our party continue to grow in unity, and with a resolve to continue in the service of our great state.

“We will not rest on our oars in our determination to make life better for the people of Edo State and to project futher that things can work and indeed are working in Edo.”