Edo 2024: Obaseki In Desperate Bid To Corrupt Religious Leaders in Edo
… as Governor launches N1bn feeding initiative
As the September 21st governorship election approaches, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has resorted to a deplorable tactic of attempting to corrupt religious leaders by offering them a staggering sum of N1 billion monthly for feeding purposes.
It would be recalled that last week, Governor Obaseki launched the operation “Feed the Hungry Initiative” in the state with N1 billion through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim communities.
But the Senator Monday Okpebholo Campaign Organisation said this is a blatant attempt at corporate vote-buying aimed to sway the allegiance of influential figures in the religious community to support his candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
A statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. John Mayaki said, “this emerging godfather of Edo state politics is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for power, employing underhanded tactics that include enticing churches and mosques with material goods, co-opting labor leaders, unions, civil society groups, and traditional rulers, all while weaponizing poverty to secure votes.
“Obaseki’s corporate vote-buying strategy is unprecedented; three months before the elections, he hiked salaries to appease workers, initiated mass employment drives, and even began disbursing stipends to various segments of the populace. Such desperate measures underscore his determination to manipulate the electoral process to his advantage.
“Notably, Obaseki has already subjugated key institutions to his will, including the state House of Assembly, which has been stripped of its constituency projects, and the judiciary, which operates under his dictatorial control.
“In light of these alarming developments, I implore the people of Edo State to recognize the insidious nature of Obaseki’s machinations during this election season. While they may accept any handouts offered, they must resolutely reject Obaseki’s candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, at the polls. The interests of the people must take precedence over the selfish ambitions of power-hungry individuals who seek to perpetuate their hold on the government at any cost”, Mayaki said.