Adobokashi For Edo Welfare Initiative
OpenLife Nigeria reports that arising from the break out of violence in Edo which led to the death of an Inspector of Police in Benin on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Adobokashi For Edo Welfare Initiative, AFEWIN, a registered non-partisan advocacy group, seeking improved socio-economic and democratic governance for Edo State, has called on political stakeholders, politicians, candidates and voters to avoid violence and embrace peace for a credible poll on September 21, 2024.
A police officer identified as Okon, attached to the All Progressives Congress, APC’s candidate in the September 21 governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, was killed after mobs attacked his convoy and that of court reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, in Benin on Thursday after leaving the Benin Airport.
Speaking Saturday morning during its Adobokashi Stakeholders Engagement, ASE, the NGO condemned, in its entirety, the introduction of violence into the September election saying that it negates the principles of democratic ideologies.
The NGO noted that the emerging violent development in Edo State is a signal to the insincerity of political actors which must not be allowed to blossom into full scale war.
Mr. Theophilus Oseyi, an Asia based business man and one of the international leaders of the NGO emphasized the importance of brotherliness irrespective of voters’ supports to different political parties and candidates.
He stressed that political actors must imbibe the rule of engagement which centres on decency and brotherliness in the pursuit of economic growth for Edo State through democratic channels.
“When I was in Sweden, I thought it was Heaven because of their high level of promoting their common interests without violence.
“That attitude has earned them accelerated economic growth.
“But when I got to Japan, because I am currently in Japan, I saw a different form of development and human attitude to life which make thing easy for native and foreigners.
“The way of life here is almost like what the Bible says.
“But back home in Nigeria, we say we are Christians but we end up doing the opposite of what the Bible says.
“Sometimes ago, an officer here in Japan resigned from his political appointment because he over spent on entertaining guests.
“That act of overspending was considered an offence and a stain on his integrity to hold a public office.
“Immediately he resigned.
“Therefore, we need people with consciences as leaders in Edo. We need people who are not greedy.
“We need people who will consider Edo people first before considering themselves.
“We need a governor who will build and equip schools, hospitals and promote agriculture as well as enhance security of life and property.
“We need a governor who will encourage foreign investors by enforcing the rule of law and not rule of gangsters who will sell one land to more than 10 people as I have been experiencing in the past few years.
“In our previous statements, Adobokashi advised voters and stakeholders not to exploit candidates and we still stand by those statements.
“Edo State must get it right on September 21 so that the State can move forward.
“Our NGO is ready to offer necessary advice, in line with global best practice as well as support various organs of growth amongst youths, traditional institutions, tiers of government in Edo,” Comrade Oseyi stated and promised .
Among those who attended the Saturday Adobokashi Stakeholders Engagement, ASE, was Pastor Amos Arelogbe, the governorship candidate of Action Peoples Party, APP in the September 21 contest.
Arelogbe commended Adobokashi For Edo Welfare Initiative, AFEWIN for its selfless commitment to a credible poll in Edo.
“I am a different breed. I will make all the difference in the governance of Edo if elected by the voters. I am a Pastor and I will not betray God. I will not betray my calling.
“I am going to cooperate with Adobokashi For Edo Welfare Initiative’s advice to shun violence.
“At APP, we are not violent. We talk to voters what we will do when APP is voted in for to occupy Government House on September 21.
“My aim is to walk freely on the streets in Edo after leaving office as a governor.
“To do that, I know I must be fare to all in my duties as a governor. I know I must not short change the people.
“I know I must do things to uplift the living standard of Edo People. I also know that I must encourage investors to be able to generate the kind of sustainable employment for our youths and enhance commerce and industry in the State,” Pastor Arelogbe said.
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