A chieftain of the Labour Party, Anthony Oji, has urged the people of Enugu to vote the candidate of the party, Chijioke Edeoga in the March 18 governorship election.
Oji said it was time for the people of Enugu to put an end to godfathering in the state.
He noted that the outcome of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly election frightened the godfathers, pointing out that the godfathers have been mobilising every weapon in their arsenal to ensure that the status quo remains.
Oji, who is the Deputy Director of Obi/Edeoga Solidarity Group (OESG) told journalists in Abuja, yesterday, that Edeoga of Labour Party (LP) is the candidate of the people and as such is programmed to win by a wide margin.
He recalled that in the past 24 years the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued to nurture prebendal politics and imposition of candidates to serve the narrow interests of political godfathers at the expense of people’s welfare.
He stated,
“It is that godfather politics that led to the emergence of Peter Mbah during the PDP governorship primaries. The godfathers deceived Prof. Barth Nnaji with the false promise that they would support him to be governor, but their original intention was to frustrate the former Minister for Power and ensure that he does not contest against their lackey.
“Chijioke Edeoga was therefore prevailed upon by the people to join the Labour Party (LP) to give the masses a credible alternative choice. So, the election on Saturday March 18 is a referendum on 24 years of godfatherism and absence of good governance. Our people are poised to take over Enugu State and ensure that money meant for socio-economic development of the state does not end up as gratuity to retired politicians.”
Oji, who contested the Enugu North/South federal constituency election in 2011, disclosed that he decided not to contest for any elective position again but help in galvanizing support for other change makers in the Labour Party, stressing that unlike in 2011, the party would not be robbed of victory.
He said,
“Already, there is panic in the camp of PDP, because we have learnt our lessons and thankfully Mr. Peter Obi became a rallying point of the new politics that is long overdue in Enugu, Southeast and Nigeria in general.”
On fears about possible inducement of voters and influence of violence, the LP chieftain said it is a thing of serious concern that PDP in Enugu State has come back with their trademark of violence and opposition to free and fair election.
He said Enugu people have resolved to come out en masse to cast their ballot for LP, saying that the attempt by some political hustlers to endorse a particular candidate in the name of Obidient Movement was the highpoint of desperation of the political godfathers.
He added,
“The Obidient Movement is amorphous and organic. Therefore those who went to buy and sell endorsement showed that they are not in tune with the dictates of the Obidient Movement, which revolve around integrity, competence and compassion.”
