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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance where necessary, declaring that there is no point changing a government merely for the sake of change.
The monarch, however, stressed that the Benin throne remained non-partisan and that his remarks should not be construed as an endorsement of any political party.
He spoke, yesterday, when Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. “The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point for change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other.”
The Oba also called for greater cooperation among political leaders, including former governors and senators, saying the existence of an opposition should not prevent political actors from working together in the national interest.
“In democracy, there must be opposition when a party comes to power. I don’t see why an opposition party can’t support the ruling party,” he said.
Oba Ewuare II cautioned against excessive criticism of political leaders, arguing that no individual or government could claim perfection.
“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquillity. I am American and British trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” he added.
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Earlier, Yari told the monarch that the delegation was at the palace specifically to seek his blessings and support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
“Our mission today is simple: Mr President formed the campaign council for his re-election. We are here to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027,” he said.
The former Zamfara State governor argued that the Tinubu administration had recorded improvements in the economy, citing GDP growth, inflation and stability in the foreign exchange market.
According to him, annual GDP growth had increased from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation had declined from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.
Yari said the administration had also stabilised the foreign exchange market, maintaining that Tinubu remained the right person to lead the country.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, also thanked the Oba for his blessings and argued that Tinubu deserved a second term.
He hinged his position partly on what he described as equity, fairness and justice, saying the South should be allowed to complete a second term.
“For us in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the leader and he is leading well, as we have a lot of projects to campaign with, and the people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu to enable him win the 2027 presidential election,” Idahosa said.
