From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) flings its door open for members of other political parties to enter, the member representing Ovia North East Constituency II at the Edo State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Andrew Edobor Uzamere, has said he cannot trade the mandate of his people for a bowl of porridge.
He stated this while giving his two years scorecard as a lawmaker representing Ovia North East Constituency II, explaining that the mandate given to him by his constituency was sacred and he cannot treat it with levity.
“I don’t take the mandate of my people with levity. It is sacred to me. So, I can’t be given a mandate on the platform of PDP and I jettison that platform for personal gains? No, my name and integrity matter quite a lot to me.
“Yes, as an elected member of the House of Assembly on the platform of PDP, I represent the entire people of Ovia North East Constituency II, irrespective of the political leanings. I represent everybody in the constituency, yet I was elected on the platform of the PDP and that is sacred to me.
“So, I will not trade my integrity just because of a bowl of porridge. I won my election and I can win again regardless of the political uncertainties,” Uzamere said.
The PDP lawmaker while speaking on the crises that have rocked the party in recent times, said the party would overcome its challenges soon.
“For PDP, I am sure, it is just part of politics; the intrigues and other shenanigans of different political leaders and I am sure that before the 2027 election, the party will bounce back.
“There is no party that doesn’t have issues and challenges. PDP is just going through its own situation as it is and I am certain that within the shortest possible time, everything will be over,” he added.
Speaking on his achievements within two years, he said he had provided almost 20 communities with boreholes and schools, explaining that he attended to the communities according to their needs.
He said he had also worked on bringing healthcare services to his constituents, including plans to renovate primary healthcare centres and conduct medical outreach clinics.