From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State has declared that the will of the people would triumph over the decision of kingmakers in the forthcoming governorship contest.
The party’s Deputy Director of Obi/Edeoga Solidarity Group (OESG), Anthony Oji told journalists yesterday in Abuja, that the outcome of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly election frightened the godfathers, pointing out that the godfathers have been mobilizing every weapon in their arsenal to ensure that the status quo remains.
The United States of America-trained Environmental expert, Mr. Anthony Oji remains the candidate of the people and as such is programmed to win by a wide margin.
Oji recalled that in the past 24 years the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued to nurture prebendal politics and imposition of candidates to serve the narrow interests of political godfathers at the expense of people’s welfare.
He stated: “It is that godfather politics that led to the emergence of Peter Mbah during the PDP governorship primaries.
“The godfathers deceived Prof. Barth Nnaji with the false promise that they would support him to be governor, but their original intention was to frustrate the former Minister for Power and ensure that he does not contest against their lackey.
“Chijioke Edeoga was therefore prevailed upon by the people to join Labour Party (LP) to give the masses a credible alternative choice.
“So, the election on Saturday March 18 is a referendum on 24 years of godfatherism and absence of good governance. Our people are poised to take over Enugu State and ensure that money meant for socio-economic development of the state does not end up as gratuity to retired politicians.”
Oji, who contested the Enugu North/South federal constituency election in 2011, disclosed that he decided not to contest for any elective position again but help in galvanizing support for other change makers in Labour Party, stressing that unlike in 2011, the party would not be robbed of victory.
“Already, there is panic in the camp of PDP, because we have learnt our lessons and thankfully Mr. Peter Obi became a rallying point of the new politics that is long overdue in Enugu, Soutehast and Nigeria in general,” he remarked.
On fears about possible inducement of voters and influence of violence, the LP chieftain said it was a thing of serious concern that PDP in Enugu State has come back with their trade mark of violence and opposition to free and fair election.
He said Enugu people have resolved to come out en masse to cast their ballot for LP, saying that the attempt by some political hustlers to endorse a particular candidate in the name of Obidient Movement was the highpoint of desperation of the political godfathers.
“The Obidient Movement is amorphous and organic. Therefore those who went to but and sell endorsement showed that they are not in tune with the dictates of the Obidient Movement, which revolve around, integrity, competence and compassion,” he noted.