By; RALPH OKHIRIA, Benin.
A chieftain of the All Progressive Congres (APC), Chief Francis Inegbeneki has described as untrue the claim by some people in the state that Edo central Senatorial District is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) main base.
There have been claims that Edo Central is home to PDP as the Party has always won elections in the senatorial zone than any other party.
Chief Inegbeneki stated this in Opoji, Esan Central local government area while speaking with journalists on the chances of APC in Edo central in the September 10, 2016.
“APC is on ground in Edo Central and I find it difficult to understand that APC is not on ground. Yes, in the last election, we had three House of Assembly Members. You remember in the last governorship election, we, ACN, now APC won the five seats. So, we are on ground”.
He said, “I will not hide the fact that Edo Central used to be the hotbed of PDP. Of course, you will understand the reason why it is like that. This is where the former PDP Board of Trustee Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih comes from. I remember in his hay days, Uromi used to be a political haven, a situation where all governors go to, to struggle for rooms. Also remember that the former Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolomhenmen is also from the Senatorial District. From the revelations, we are seeing now, they still have a lot of money to play with.
“However, in Edo central, this is the last battle to dethrone all of them. I can assure you, this election will be a decider of the last fight, and we are going to dethrone them and remove them finally from Edo Central”.
Chief Inegbeneki commenting on the recent protest by some APC youths in the area over alleged neglect of the area by the Oshiomhole–led government, stated that “you know this is a democracy. When you are not satisfied, the law allows you to protest; and to also air your grievances by constitutional means.
“Yes, it is true there was demonstration by a section of our people. The truth is that, Esan People are like Oliver Twist. We will always ask for more. Some were agitating that the development we got in this administration is not enough. We cannot say the governor has not done anything. Yes, there are some shortcomings, although no human being is perfect. In the area of development, I can assure you that, I, chief Inegbeneki say that; the roads Oshiomhole administration has done in the whole of the Senatorial District for the past Seven years, no PDP has done it.
“How many roads can I mention? He built a brand new hospital at Ewohimi. We are demanding for more. We cannot say the governor marginalized us. There were shortcomings. We are praying now that before the end of the administration, the remaining projects are completed as part of the dividends.”
He said the purported adoption of the PDP candidate by the traditional rulers from the senatorial zone was not true.
“We have since confirmed from the traditional rulers and they have all said they did not adopt him. Rather they attended the meeting for blessings at the traditional palace of Onojie of Uromi. It is customary that aspirants seek for blessings at the palace”, he stated.
