A gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s governorship election in Edo State, Gideon Obakhan, has said that political leaders can longer take for granted the power of the electorate as the days of queueing behind a favoured candidate was over.
Obakhan who said this in Benin yesterday noted that political parties now know that they need to field their best if they intend to win an election.
He stated that the last election, which saw many notable political leaders including President Bola Tinubu losing their states to opposition parties was an eye opener to political leaders and aspirants, noting that many voters are now aware of the power they have in deciding the fate of the country.
He said, “The people are the ones to decide who the party will present for election. The last election has shown that the right candidates must be fielded by political parties if they hope to win elections.
“Gone are the days when political leaders would present, back a candidate and instruct party faithful to queue behind them. The right candidate must be presented or parties risk losing elections.”
He also urged the political parties to field candidates from Edo Central to ensure fairness, equity and justice as the region was yet to rule the state since 1999 except the 18 months reign of Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, who was sacked by the court.
He added, “I hear people talking about Edo South having the capacity to win the election but I ask where is the place of fairness, equity and justice in our politics? Edo Central should be given the opportunity to rule the state this time.
“The narrative has changed and whoever wins must have done a lot of work during the campaigns. However, Edo Central should be given a chance in the state.”
Nigeria Needs To Invest More In Education – Obi
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has stressed the need for improved investment in the education sector.
He lamented that Nigeria has 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, which according to him is more than the Year 2022 combined population of Norway, Ireland, Singapore and Dubai, which is 19.7 million.
Obi, who stated this on his twitter handle, said his comments formed the basis of his speech during the Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Pacesetters School, Abuja owned by Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon and Mrs Kate Imansuangbon.
Commending the school proprietor for establishing a school system aimed at producing well-rounded and competitive citizens, Obi added that such institutions have long term investments in human capital, which are perquisites for sustainable development and nation building in the new Nigeria.
“I have always advocated for greater investment in education. We now have 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, that is more than the Year 2022 combined population of Norway, Ireland, Singapore and Dubai, which is 19.7 million.
“Nigeria, therefore, urgently needs to do more with respect to investment in education. Education remains the greatest investment any nation can make for the citizens. I also appreciated the teachers of Pacesetters School, Abuja, while reiterating the need to always celebrate teachers for the sacrifices they make and the critical roles they play in the educational system, and ultimately, in societal development.”
“I narrated the story of Mr Akeem Badru, a school teacher at St Michael RCM Primary School, Ogunpa Lunloye, Abeokuta, Ogun State, who out of 11,000 nominations from 99 countries, won the 2023 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award, and became the first overall winner from Africa since the competition’s inception.
“Such are the people that should be given national honour and recognition, for the positive impact they make in society, rather than celebrating the same malefactors and individuals responsible for retrogression and governance failure in Nigeria. I once again congratulate the graduands and the school authorities,” he said.
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