Edo 2024: Rev. Fr. Andrew Obiyan declares interest, says, he is equipped to serve the People

By Ifeayinwa Akuba

Ahead of the 2024 Governorship Election in Edo State ,Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan, the Parish Priest of St. Francis Catholic Church has declared his interest to contest after considering calls from different groups to join the Governorship race.

Rev. Obinyan who made his intentions known today at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Edo State Council in Benin City, revealed that the need to make his interest known became necessary after prayerfully considering the request of the people .

According to Fr. Obiyan Andrew, he possesses the capacity and ability to serve Edo People and turn the narrative of poor governance to good governance.

“I kept receiving calls from well-meaning Edo people and Nigerians across party lines beckoning on me to contest the forthcoming governorship election in our dear state”

“After carrying out very extensive consultation and consideration, I am pleased to inform you that I am giving Edo people and members of the movement an affirmative response”.

” I have considered it, and I am very much available and ready to serve.As a Priest, I am trained and equipped to serve and not to be served.”

Also speaking Mr. Jude Aigbona who is also in his entourage said that the people of the State have tried core politicians and Technocrats with no very tangible results to show , that is time to give the Priest a chance to govern the state, adding that Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan is a tested and trusted servant.

According to Aigbona the movement cuts across Political Parties and the youths are prepared to ensure it comes to reality.

He however called on the leading Parties to give their gubernatorial ticket to Rev. Fr. Andrew Obiyan as he has what it takes to win the Governorship Election.

“We intend to run a mass movement, a movement that will reshape Edo State; a movement that will give us a new hope in Edo State.

“Edo have seen it all. We have seen technocrats rule us, we have seen politicians rule us, so let us try a Man of God. A man who is ready to serve us wholeheartedly so that Edo will be a new state; a new creature that other states will want to emulate.”

On his part, the Chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, commended Fr. Obiyan for taking the bold step even as a Spiritual leader.

Comrade Festus further stressed that the union doors are opened to all Aspirants as the Media remain apolitical in all standards.

He called on all Media Practitioners in the State to eschew reports that are capable of heating the polity and publish reports that promote the tenents of Democracy.