To anyone who insists that Edo 2024 will bring the same division amongst Edos like what happened in 2020, they are clearly in dire need of a reality check.
Edo 2024 is blessed with 3 good candidates. I include APC because not talking is not a crime as many people would like us to believe. The three candidates have different styles of campaign and agendas to serve Edo people. In the Edo diaspora we have seen all 3 candidates and now we are faced with the choice of looking at the small details- our conviction and anything else to convince us of the best candidate, agreeing that whoever wins will govern all of us as one Edo State.
Two months ago I hosted a zoom call with Asue Ighodalo as part of my media duties with Edos from the UK, Japan, Europe and USA in attendance. In the zoom call there was a physically challenged (disabled) Edolite resident in Edo state. His name is Tony Igele Daniels.
The Zoom call was rigorous, everyone was anxious because of the happenings on the ground. Tony challenged Asue, telling him about the neglect the disabled people of Edo state have suffered under the administration of Godwin Obaseki. Tony told Asue that Adams Oshiomhole was better than Godwin Obaseki because physically challenged people got jobs under Oshiomhole. Edwin Igue challenged Asue that all the 72 artefacts he fought to return from the Horniman Museum must go to Oba Palace and nowhere else. Tony further complained to Asue that his wheelchair was broken and that life has become unbearable for him and all physically challenged Edo people under this administration. That was 2 months ago.
Ten days ago, I received a call from people in Benin asking me for Tony Igele’s number. I was sceptical. Then another call came, this time It was from the ex-commissioner for Diaspora affairs, Osaze Ero, who is the DG for Asue’s 2024 campaign. Osaze confirmed that Asue Ighodalo had instructed his people since the zoom call to get a new wheelchair to Tony. He unhappy that Tony had still not received the wheelchair. I called Tony a day later and he confirmed he had received a phone call but when he told the person of his wheelchair specification, they went quiet, and he thought that was the end of it. Tony felt bad because he felt he had blown his opportunity by quoting the wheelchair specification. Today, 12 August 2024, a brand new wheelchair to Tony’s specification was delivered to Tony’s room by Ose Anenih and a gentlemen called Nosa. They said this is from Asue Ighodalo. Tony cried and so did I. I never believed Asue will do it. Sorry but this is what Nigerian politicians have turned us into with failed promises.
The difference between Nigerian politicians and human beings is Nigerian politicians are stone cold liars with no emphathy. They will not do small, they won’t do at all. Human beings have emphathy- even when they cannot do all, they will do small.
On the same Zoom call, Asue also said that all Benin artefacts will be returned to our Royal father Oba Ewuare II, I now believe him. He has convinced me he will lead Edo with emphathy and understanding. Small margins will decide Edo 2024.
To Edos who I feel so privileged to serve, I must confess to you that I am new to politicians doing what they say. I am sure it’s the same for you. Asue Ighodalo has changed my mind. This action does not crucify the other candidates, but it tells me Asue is a human being that listens. When it comes to our votes, we need to form an opinion on the character and integrity of the candidates. My opinion of Asue has greatly increased.
Over the years I have been fortunate to witness support for Edo disabled persons with food, cash and payment of medical bills via Edo development Aid UK which we started during the covid period. This singular contribution by Asue means a lot to me for the disabled people in Edo state, it means they stand a better chance if this man wins.
The Editor