Over 400 religious leaders in Edo state have endorsed Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, for a second term.
The religious leaders also promised to mobilise thousands of their followers to vote for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 19 governorship election.
Endorsing the governor and his deputy at a parley with journalists in Benin city, Edo District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Dr Joel Okogele, noted that even the blind can see the performance and outstanding achievements of the governor in the last three years and eight months.
He urged Edo voters to come out en masse on Saturday, September 19, to vote the PDP to continue benefiting from the dividends of democracy and good governance.
Okogele said: “We are not prophets of doom, we are praying for him to be reelected. Assemblies of God Church will support him and his administration. We will always go on our knees to pray for the success of the governor in the September 19, 2020 governorship election.”
The religious leader continued: “We commend the governor for the modular refinery that he is building in Edo state; it’s really commendable.
“This move will create job opportunities for our young ones who will get jobs in the state rather than searching for jobs in other states. We pray for a peaceful election come September 19, 2020.”
On his part, Obaseki commended the religious leaders for the support and endorsement, promising to continue with all policies and reforms to better the lives of the people.
The governor who was represented by the Speaker of Edo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye, said the endorsement has shown that the people have confidence in the leadership style adopted in developing the state.
“We recognise what God is doing for this administration. God has been with us and leading all our steps and behind all our achievements so far. The reelection of Governor Obaseki is God’s project,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Edo PDP campaign council, Chief Dan Orbih, has urged voters to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
According to Chief Orbih, the APC candidate is unfit to hold the position of governor in the state.
Orbih made the comment while addressing a crowd of PDP supporters in Ugbegun, Ward 10, in Esan West local government area of the state, during the reelection campaign rally of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The traditional ruler, who was impressed with the various developmental projects executed by the Governor Obaseki-led administration in Ekpoma, assured the governor that his people would show their appreciation with their votes at the September 19 governorship election.
“On behalf of myself and all the traditional rulers in Esan West local government area of the state, I want to sincerely thank you for all the visible projects across Ekpoma. We are seeing your good work,” he said.