The Oba of Benin, Ewuare ii has advised the people of Edo state shun Godfatherism and consensus candidate. Remember some days ago, Edo APC celebrated Ize-Iyamu being the consensus candidate of APC, chosen by a ‘Godfather’ Oshiomhole.
In a statement released by Frank lrabor Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, said;
The attention of Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to the speculation making the rounds in the sop. media that the Palace of the O. of Benin has prevailed on some gubernatorial aspirants to step dorm for a particular candidate in the upcoming primaries of a certain political party. The P.ace totally denounces this evil speculation and, condemns those that originated it.
His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba NEdo, Uku Akpolokpolo, the Oba of Benin has said times without number that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics the three prayer points of the Oba of Benin in the democratic process has always been as following that God and our ancestors should give. a gear that w,u accord respect to traditional institution, develop this state and. provide food on the table for the masses.
However, the Omo N’Oba strongly advises that In order to eschew recurrent socio-political conflict that seems to constantly ravish the state. making Edo people a laughing V. to the rest of the country in now positions manage the affairs of Edo people. our Edo Political actors must eradicate the twin evil pot, vices of Godfathensm and CONSENSUS CANDIDATE These two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy.
In other words, this business of coercing aspirants to step dawn for another candidate for whatsoever reason is undemocratic. It will not augur well for the development of the democratic process in Nigeria. It is a different thing if the decision of an aspirant to step down is predicated upon realizing he does not stand a chance with a more popular colleague aspirant and that decision is genuinely voluntary_ Perhaps it * pertinent to remind politicians who are managers of our democratic process that democracy is, the system of government of the people, by the people and for the people’ Unless, of course,
we have a Nigerian definition of It. And unless, it is only one as aspirant that comes out party for an elective office, which is most unlikely, a party structure is expected to produce aspirants first to primaries which should be direct and test their popularity with the people. That is the real democracy in action
Let everybody take note that the Palace is very wary of the imposition of candidates from only certain individuate want but mai., of the people, do not want ‘Ghana Must Go. politics should end in the State. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them. their votes.
We believe all qualified aspirants to any elective office should be given a level playing field for democracy to develop to the next level in Nigeria. Political actors should mature up and learn not to wash their dirty linen in public. In Benin adage. a masquerade does not perform outside without first performing at harts. Politicians in the State should endeavour to stop taking affairs of the state to those outsides to determine the political welfare of the State and by logical extension, the sow-economic development of our people rn the name of consultations as if the State political as well as traditional elders are incapable of managing the affairs of our own State.
It’s considered unacceptable where some traditional rulers are brought into the State to run personal commentaries on the political climate in a State with topmost tradition rulers overseeing .out .t consulting the brother traditional rulers who have traditional authority in the environment T. practice, to us, seems to go against traditional ‘Esprit. corps’ Tile colonial masters always respected the presence of a traditional ruler who Over his own people and consulted intensely before introducing commentaries or odic.,
As the various political parties go about the process of selecting their candidates through their respective party primaries, we urge all to exercise the highest standards of maturity and sportsmanship, as the desire to bring about the best for the people of Edo State cannot be compromised nor sacrificed on the altar of intolerance, rumour-mongering and fake news.
Rumour mongers are reminded that there is an ancestral arse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Be= and the ancient Throne of the Benin Kingdom, which will normally be for their selfish ends.
His Royal Mapsty, Omo NO N’Edo, Uku Akpotokpolo. Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Be*, therefore, appeals to all political actors and nonpolitical actors alike to p4ease join hands to solve our problems ourselves and develop our dear State.
