By Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Benin – Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the 2020 Edo Governorship election, has called on the party to carefully scrutinise all those seeking for the party’s ticket.
Ogiemwonyi made the call when representatives of APC youth leaders across the state declared their support for his governorship ambition at his campaign secretariat on Tuesday in Benin.
The former Minister of State for Works said antecedent, public records and loyalty to the party’s ideals, should be considered in determining who emerged the party’s flag bearer for the Sept. 16 poll.
He said proper scrutiny of aspirants was important to avoid the ugly experiences the party had had in the state in recently times.
Ogiemwonyi said he wanted to contest for the number one seat in Edo because of his burning desire to uplift the living condition of the suffering masses and leave a lasting legacy.
“I want to be governor to support Edo people; there is poverty in the land.
“When Oshiomhole left, Edo state was rated number three in terms of development, but where we are today is sad.
My name is a brand that will bring foreign investors. You need a governor who can broker friendship and give employment to Edo people. I am in the race to rescue the state.
“After 35 years in public service, I don’t have any Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) case. I don’t have any baggage.
“Today, I am called Mr Integrity. Youth leaders like you gave me the name at campaign ground,’’ he said.
He told the youths that the state needed a governor that would lead the people with compassion.
The former minister promised that if given the party’s ticket, 30 per cent of appointments under his administration would be given to youths.
He regretted that those who had benefitted from his benevolence while he was in public service could refer to him as a ‘technocrat’ in negative terms.
Earlier, Amos Cole, APC Youth Leader, Esan Central Senatorial District, on behalf of others, expressed confidence that Ogiemwonyi would emerge the party’s candidate during the primaries.
Cole said he was also confident that the aspirant would eventually win the governorship poll.
According to him, the aspirant will excell in the areas where the present Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has failed.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APC primaries for the governorship ticket is expected to be conducted between June 2 and 22.
(NAN)
