My successor’ll not come from Igbinedion’s family — Oshiomhole

Adams Oshiomhole

Alexander Okere, Benin

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has reiterated that his successor will not emerge from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party or the political family of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.

Governor Oshiomhole disclosed this while addressing journalists in Benin, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Oshiomhole, who criticised Igbinedion for claiming that the PDP would win the poll by a wide margin, said that he was aware that the former governor and other leaders of the opposition had been “in pains” since he (Oshiomhole) became governor in 2008.

He also said that his administration had defeated politicians who had claimed to be godfathers.

The governor said, “I want to make it clear to Lucky that the next governor can never be from the Igbinedion family. The next governor will be a people’s governor and that person, by the special grace of God, is Godwin Obaseki.

“I am aware that they are in pains since I became governor; I had to retrieve all they held hostage and gave (them) back to the people.

“Our people will never go back to the dark days and my fight against godfathers has been successful and that is why, today, any Edo man or woman can become a governor without going to any godfather. They (godfathers) are crying and I am happy. They will continue to cry.

Oshiomhole also urged Igbinedion not to bother about the outcome of the September 28 election, adding that both the PDP and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, would not win.

“So, let me tell Lucky, my good friend, to forget about the result of the election because his PDP and Ize-Iyamu will not win. He should ask himself what his PDP has done in Edo to deserve victory.

“So, they should stop their bad dream of victory. Edo people have rejected the godfathers and they will not return.”

The former governor could not be immediately reached for comments.

But Igbinedion had, in a text message sent to our correspondent on Sunday, said that his family did not claim ownership of the state but was interested in its development.

He added, “The house of Igbinedion has never laid claim to the ownership of Edo State. But we have an interest in the development of the state — both the private and public sectors.

“Let Edo decide under whose administration they have enjoyed more prosperity and not vile, rude propaganda.”