By; Prince Kassim Afegbua.
Of all the aspirants, is there anyone, just anyone that has not sought private audience with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, with a view to securing Oshiomole’s support? As a party chieftain, and citizen, does Oshiomole not have the right to support the aspirants of his choice? Does it amount to a crime if he shows his support for his preferred aspirant? In 2016 when, Henry Idahagbon shouldered Godwin Obaseki’s aspiration, was he not flagrant in showing his support? Did he not in seeking sympathy for his course even declaim me to be sabotaging their effort? Did he not praise Godwin Obaseki to the high heavens, saying Obaseki was the best person to succeed Comrade Oshiomhole? Why is he now shouting blue murder? And his reason, he says is age. What age is he talking about? I am ashamed to hear Henry Idahagbon, a former attorney general complaining about the age of Hon. Dennis Idahosa. At 43, the young man has crossed the bar required by the constitution to seek gubernatorial position. Is a man of 43 years not over-ripe for governorship in this contemporary new world, where youths call the shots across socio-political divides? Does Idahagbon want the aspirants to attain the age of methusellah before he or she can seek governorship? We need a governor who will work with legerity not someone who will hold the office while junketing on medical tourism
Watching Henry Idahagbon on Channels TV Politics today, one would have concluded that he warned Comrade Oshiomhole in 2016 against Godwin Obaseki, but he indeed was the Chief Salesman of the Obaseki’s poisoned ticket. Or in 2020, when Pastor Ize-Iyamu was featured as the guber candidate. Unfortunately, In both scenarios, Henry Idahagbon staunchly supported and marketed those candidates. He didn’t ever voice any problem with the choice of them. Does he think we do not know that this dust he is raising and noise he is making is all because he’s seeking to be the running mate to one of the aspirants from Edo North? Can he not see the sense in the position taken by Senator Oshiomhole, that having a Minister from Edo North, has already narrowed the persuasion to have a governorship candidate from that same zone in the state. Isn’t that a balanced and judicious argument? Especially as Edo North does not enjoy a majority status in terms of demographics?
It is said that when a man possesses the GRACE of God, age is not a barrier. Holding a political office is based on a combination of several factors and nuances, plus the GRACE of God. God decides who becomes governor or president; and there is nothing anybody can do about that. Justin Trudeau was barely 44years old when he became the Prime Minister of Canada in 2015. Volodmyr Zelenski was 43 years old when he became the President of Ukraine. Theodore Roosevelt, a one time American President was 42 years when he became the President of the United States of America. The current Chilean President who has been in office since 2022, Gabriel Boric is 37 years old. The Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011, Kim Jong-un, is 41 years old. What age is Idahagbon worried about? Does the young man not have the leadership ability and credentials. Dennis Idahosa at 43 is best suited for the Office of the Governor of Edo State at his energetic and bubbling age and in this era of generational leadership evolution. Those who do not subscribe to this preferred choice may have other reasons, but age should not be one of the reasons.
Rather than vilify Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole for exercising his political inalienable right, Henry Idahagbon should advance incontrovertible reasons why he is averse to Dennis Idahosa’s aspiration. In a contest of 29 qualified aspirants, only one aspirant is expected to emerge as the ultimate flagbearer. If Idahagbon has a right to support his choice aspirant, why does he want to take away Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s own right to do the same? Even if Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is showing preference for Idahosa as alleged by Idahagbon, does that amount to sacrilege? Is Comrade Oshiomhole no longer the leader of Edo state APC, through whom many people have been empowered, including Idahagbon himself, by way of a political appointment? Please, Idahagbon be advised; tarry awhile as those who live in glass houses should mind how they throw stones. They cannot know whose head may be decorated with blood. Whoever emerges after the primaries in Edo Central, and Edo South will as earlier decided by the leadership, be overwhelmingly supported to confront the greater challenge, which is wining the general election on 21 September. That’s the real challenge; not this issue amounting to mere delusion, that can in no way, deepen the conversation of Edo APC primaries. As for me, I have elected to support Hon. Dennis Idahosa. And no apology for that.
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
MEMBER, APC WARD 5.
OKPELLA.
ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVT.
