Don’t Set State On Fire, Edoro Appeals To Oshiomhole, Others – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
… Insists On Politics Without Bitterness
LAGOS – With the September 21 governorship election in Edo State drawing closer, Edo State-born cleric Bishop Joseph Ighalo Edoro, has warned former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, not to set the state on fire with his uncivil utterances.
He also called on politicians to stop using gutter language to talk down on their opponents, but should see one another as brothers and sisters seeking to serve the people of the state.
The cleric, who spoke to Sunday Independent on Saturday, made reference to what he termed anti-social remarks by Oshiomhole, a former governor and now a Senator representing Edo North senatorial district, against the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Bishop Edoro stated: “The recent remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole on the childlessness of the family of Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, must be condemned by all.
“The culture of Edo people abhors that, even in the Christian faith. It is sad that a man of such knowledge and great standing can degenerate to such a low state of behaviour.
“Oshiomhole is known for his gutter language, but with this one, he crossed the line. Edo State is a highly traditional state and when it comes to a childless family, this issue is treated with care and love.
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“Oshiomhole ought to have known this. Little wonder the women protest all over the state.”
Edoro maintained that by his utterances, Oshiomhole shot himself, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate on the foot just on the eve of the election and this has generated more favour to the Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate.
Edoro stressed: “People like Oshiomhole should not be tasked with roles like this. This is gutter politics. However, let all parties refrain from escalating the already tense political atmosphere.
“Let there be politics without bitterness. This type of politics is of no good to the future of our youths and country.
“The idea of trying to create a tense atmosphere before the election by using hate speech should be discouraged. The election is a few days away. Let everyone registered and cleared to vote come out and participate in the voting.
“Those armies of thugs conscripted to cause mayhem and trouble should refrain, else the wrath of God will descend on them and their masters.
“Let all external haters who want to cause trouble in Edo State know that Edo is not Lagos or Rivers or any other state.
“We are fearless people with a common DNA to resist what we know it’s not right. Above all, we pray for peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.”