The coming of Engr. (Dr.) Chris Ogiemwonyi into the All Progressives Congress, APC on Friday 28 November, 2014 is quite significant not only to the party, but to Edo State in general. barely two years to the end of the second term of Comrade Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole’s administration in Edo State, the declaration of Engr. Ogiemwonyi for APC is quite germane, because Edo People are already thinking and scouting for who will take over from Comrade Oshiomhole, especially in the continuation of peoples oriented projects and transformation of Edo State, already started by the Comrade Governor. Therefore, the coming of Engr. Ogiemwonyi into APC is a sign of good things to come in Edo caliber of people who declared with Engr. Ogiemwonyi into APC, including a cross section of Palace Chief led by Chief Obaseki, Chief Osula, the Arala of Benin Kingdom, some former chieftains in the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Youths and Women groups. the stage is set for that to be achieved. Besides, the entry of Ogiemwonyi into APC has assumed public debate, with majority of the, people supporting his declaration urging him to aspire for the number one seat in the state, which is the Governorship position. According to the people, including Hon. Edoba Asemota, Hon. Osbert Agho, Hon. Emy Eke and Mr. Gold Idehen, Engr. Ogiemwonyi will make a good candidate for APC in the 2016 gubernatorial elections. They said Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi shares the same idea, vision and mission with the Comrade Governor, and he would be able to continue from where Oshiomhole will stop. Indeed, there is no vacuum in governance, and the most important thing is the transition process. Continuity of government policies and programmes is very crucial in order not to have myriads of abandoned Projects, which had been the bane of previous administrations in the state.
For the Comrade Governor, Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the formal declaration of Engr.. Chris Ogiemwonyi is a plus for the APC in Edo State. He described Ogiemwonyi as a technocrat whose wealth of experience at the NNPC and as Minister of’ State for Works will no doubt add value to governance in the state. Comrade Oshiomhole disclosed that Engr. Ogiemwonyi is a selfless man, \\ho has been supporting the party even before he became member of the party. He commended Ogiemwonyi for taking a bold step to dump PDP for APC and urged Ogiemwonyi to join forces with him to develop Edo.
The APC Chairman in Edo State, Barrister Anselm Ojezua said the coming of Engr. Ogiemwonyi into APC was quite significant as it will boost the winning capacity of the party in the state.
Across the three senatorial districts of Edo State, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi seems to be their choice to succeed Comrade Oshiomhole. According to the people, this is because of his humanitarian disposition, leadership qualities and experiences, entrepreneurial and managerial skills, political competence, humility, accessibility and open handedness. These are indeed the good qualities a leader should possess, especially in a democratic setting such as ours.
Since the declaration of Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi on 28 November, 2014, many individuals and interest groups have been paying solidarity’ visits to pledge their support for him and the APC. Engr. Ogiemwonyi on his part has been engaging in series of consultations and talks with the APC Leaders in the state to determine the next line of Action and the way forward for APC in the state, especially as it concern the 2015 general elections. Engr. Ogiemwonyi is very passionate about APC and ensuring victory for all its candidates in the 2015 elections. According to him, he is ready to do everything possible and within his powers to secure victory for APC in the state. Towards this end, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi mobilized voters during the last round of voters registration exercise. He has equally gone to his ward (Ugboko ward 5) in Orhionmwon Local Government Area to formally meet with his people, party leaders and supporters where he was officially issued the APC membership card. The Chairman of APC in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Hon. Matthew Ehigie led other party executives and leaders to receive Ogiemwonyi. According to our local parlance, a masquerade must dance at home before going to dance outside. That was demonstrated when Engr. Ogiemwonyi met APC members in his ward. He did not only receive the blessing of his people, he equally got their support, and he was certified fit and proper to represent them and the good people of Edo State.
In a game of politics, where you have many people aspiring for the same position, there is no doubt that the coming of Engr. Ogiemwonyi into APC has caused panic in the spine of some aspiring politicians. Many feel threatened and intimidated by the unbeatable credentials of Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, to the extent that they have began to cast aspersions on his character and personalities.
Such politicians are feeble minded and lack the maturity to play politics according to the principles of fairness, honesty, equity and justice. This time around, Edo people are wiser by the purposeful leadership and outstanding performance of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and they are not ready to compromise good leadership for mediocrity in 2016. It is going to be a case of who the cap fits, let him wear it if it is Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi that will be better for APC and Edo State, so shall it be. The Comrade Governor himself would not want less a person to take over from him, he would not want a person who will come and lower the standard of leadership and development after he has completed his 8 year tenure. He could not want anyone who will destroy the foundation he has laid for development to thrive in Edo State. Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi is the change that Edo people would seek for in 2016. He is the one who will be able to wear the ‘big shoes” of Oshiomhole in terms of actual development of Edo State. He is the one who will be able to continue with the campaign for “one man, one vote. He is the one that will not relegate the people to the background, but ensure that the .people continue to lead in line with democratic principles. Engr. Ogiemwonyi is a man with impeccable character, with a vision and mission for a better Edo State for all to enjoy.
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