By Mercy Akuba
Ahead of Edo State Local Government election , a frontline Governorship aspirant , Barr. Olumide Akpata has expressed gratitude to Peter Gregory Obi for joining the National and State leadership of Labour Party to mobilize supporters for the upcoming LGA election.
Barr. Olumide Apkata who stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after the Labour Party mega rally for 18 Local Government Candidates in Baptist ground in Benin City noted that the electorates are fully prepared and ready to vote for Labour Party across the State.
“The Crowd you are seeing here are not rented , it goes to testify that the People are ready for the local Government election, as long as the election will be free and fair, the People will surely cast their votes for our Candidates because we took out time to ensure that those flying our tickets in their various local government are men and Women of proven character”.
The immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Comrade Olumide further appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to provide a level playing ground for all Candidates in the different political parties for free, fair and credible election.
On the on going Presidential Election in Tribunal, “I am confident that the Judiciary will do the right thing. We have to believe that the Judges and Justices who are hearing the petitions are Men and Women of integrity. We must believe that the best outcome is what we would get, not to believe is to become hopeless”
“So, we will continue to believe until the contrary is proven, yes I am a lawyer for 30 years, I have to believe in the system as we wait eagerly for the outcome of the Tribunal”
Barr. Olumide also added that he is tired of complaining of poor governance, reason he join the Governorship race to make a difference in the system.
“I am a Nigerian who is interested in the betterment of our Country , and like I said in another forum, I got tired of complaining in my bedroom, so I decided to come out and contest under the Labour Party as it is the People’s party .
Speaking the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the last general election , Peter Greggory Obi assured the Party Candidates for local government election of financial support as they campaign in their different wards.
Peter Obi who noted that the development of local government is critical to the advancement of the Country stressed that there is mass poverty in the land and for the system to work, the right people should occupy the Local Government positions.
According to him, most state Governors have masterminded strategies on siphoning resources meant for the development of grassroots which is the reason why it is hard to see significant development in the Country.
“As a Governor of Anambra State, I was prevented by several legal suites for 6 years not to conduct election but I ensured that resources meant for Local Government was spent for the different LGAs mostly in the area of Education, Health and infrastructural development, you can go and verify, the records are there”. He said.
Peter Obi further said that Nigeria has changed , and the Leaders must also change by providing transparent and accountable leadership to the People.
“Local Government is supposed to be the root of development, the local government is responsible for the three most critical aspect of development which is health care, when you talk about health, it is the primary health care, when you talk about Education, it is basic education and pulling people out of poverty”.
“I am saying that those in government should account for public money. People are hungry. People are dying, I told you that I was ready to solve Nigeria problems before contesting the last Presidential election”
The National Chairman of Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure warns that the Local Government election should not be written as being rumoured for Edo People are fully prepared to cast their votes for Labour Party Candidates.
He appreciated the supporters of Labour Party who voted to give 79% votes in the last general election and charged them to replicate same in the LGA election.
He however charged the Candidates to tell the people what they want to do and if emerge should ensure they keep their promises.
Speaking further, the State Chairman of Labour Party, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi appreciated the sponsors of the mega rally and charged all supporters to go back to their wards and ensure they mobilize for the election.