A two time gubernatorial aspirant in Edo State, High Chief Jacob Idinye has applauded the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for the successful conduct of a free, fair, credible and transparent Local Government elections which held in the state on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Idinye in a chat with some political correspondents on Sunday at a popular hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos commended the governor’s determination in stamping his authority and ensuring that the elections took place and described the outcome as a remarkable achievement for the state.
The Etsako born politician and media personality also appealed to the governor to stay undeterred in advancing the success and growth of the state.
He further advised politicians to prioritise the welfare of the people and put the needs of their constituents above other considerations, adding that no man can be God no matter how highly placed they think they are.
“I feel extremely happy to see Governor Siminalayi Fubara stamping his authority and not allowing enemies of democracy to subvert the will of the people or derail the state from recording this significant milestone. The free, fair, transparent, credible and seamless conduct of the local government elections on Saturday also prove that Mr Governor is fully in charge and his people are equally behind him. This is also proof that no man can be God, no matter how highly placed they think they are.
He also commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the people for their part in the success of the election.
Idinye however expressed optimism that Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo would reclaim his mandate in the September 21 governorship election in the state. He said, “If we had lost this election in a free and fair contest, we would have congratulated those that INEC declared winners, but because they stole our mandate, we can’t congratulate them and of course we would seek redress at the temple of justice, we have avalanche evidence to pursue our case, so I will advice those with pyrrhic victory to know that the victory is just for a short period.
“I also appeal to all Edo citizens who are presently bitter to calm down as we are going to reclaim the mandate stolen from us. We are as well calling on the judiciary to look at our submission and be truthful in their judgement when the time comes. This is Nigeria and we can’t be robbed of our victory, as we are sure of reclaiming our stolen mandate, as we will present overwhelming evidence from Units, Wards and Local Government levels.
“We cannot afford to have charlatans as our leaders, Edo will only settle for those who are democratically elected through a credible poll, not those who sought alternative means to get what they don’t merit nor deserve. Governor Godwin Obaseki did well in his 8 years in office across every strata, therefore there is need for continuity to keep Edo State on the path of progress as well as welfare of the downtrodden. A technocrat like Asue Ighodalo is that symbol of hope and he will surely succeed in this struggle for the greater interest and good of Edo people.”
