Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor, social crusader and Chairman, Editorial Board of Popular News, has stated that the result of last Saturday, governorship election in Edo State, has shown that the people of the state cannot be cowed.
Excerpts:
What is your view about the outcome of the election?
I think the people have spoken and we must respect the right of the people.
Was it up to your expectation?
Elections have never been perfect anywhere in the world. It’s a democratic process there must be a winner and a loser. I wouldn’t say it’s not up to my expectation we must educate the electorate. However, we must encourage people over 18years to register so they can participate in the next election because we have more people dancing owanbe, beating drums, dancing azonto, changing the campaign ground to a comedy ground.
Can you attest that this election will change the face of election in Nigeria, particularly in Ondo?
Election is a serious business I think there will be a lot of lessons to be learned from our own election as regards the upcoming Ondo election.
What is your score for INEC and police?
INEC isn’t perfect but I think they did tremendously well during the Edo election and should be commended. Police are not supposed to observe and monitor our elections however I must praise them they were not biased and partisan in this election from my own opinion.
Why should Edo people be celebrated in this election?
I think the Edo people should be celebrated for this election because we have less casualties and the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare 11, the Great should be highly praised for his prayers.
Did the election really represent the voice of Edo people?
I think the election result really represented what the Edolites are because we can’t be cowed.
What is your advice to the loser, Pastor Ize-Iyamu Osagie and party?
My advice to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is he should remain steadfast and be a leader that he has truly been and congratulate those who stood behind him during this tough time.
What are your expectations from the winner, Gov Godwin Obaseki and your advice?
My advice for Godwin Obaseki is he should tune down his rhetoric. It’s only God that choose to have mercy for those he has mercy on and govern those who voted for him and those who didn’t vote for him. He is an elected governor of Edo State not for PDP or APC.
Can you see hope for Edo people in Obaseki’s second term in office?
Edo State has proven that they’re the pacesetters of Nigeria. They will not expect anything less than the best from his administration.
What will One Love Foundation do to help the Obaseki Government?
One Love Foundation will remain fair and firm. It’s committed to checkmating any underperforming government and institutions. I hereby congratulate men and women who came out under the sun and rain to cast their vote. Oba gha to kpe re ise!
