From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Amid controversies, anger and condemnation over the governorship primary in Edo State, Christian leaders in the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu and the All-Progressive Congress (APC) not to allow politicians plunge the state into anarchy because of their selfish interests.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Christian Elders’ Forum, Bishop Agbazika Andersen, told newsmen, yesterday, that he was in Abuja with some Christian leaders to discuss with some politicians because of the cries of the people over the APC primary in Edo State.
Last week, primaries in the APC to select a governorship candidate ahead of the September governorship election ended in fiasco with three candidates emerging as candidates. Former governor, Adams Oshiomhole’s loyalist, Dennis Idahosa, was announced winner by chairman of the convention committee, Governor Hope Uzodimma while the returning officer of the party pronounced Senator Monday Okpebholo winner. Another aspirant, Anamero Dekeri, also declared himself winner. Party followers were, however, shocked by the primary, which have now produced three candidates, one from each senatorial district, which critics believe was as a result of the zoning, which was rubbished prior to the primary.
But Bishop Adersen applauded President Tinubu for not jumping to congratulate the candidate of the Adams Oshiomhole-led group, saying such action could lead the state into anarchy.
“The outrage in Edo State now has the propensity to put the state on fire. “Niger Delta region is blessed with material and human resources, but the people are suffering because of bad leadership.
“Bad leadership is always a result of imposition of candidates. We, as christian leaders, are worried because our people of Niger Delta are worried. What transpired last weekend in Benin will not help the people to trust their leaders anymore.
“Edo people have been very passionate about the zoning arrangement since 1999.
“You saw how the Bini speaking people of Edo South rallied around the aspirant from Edo central. That is enough handwriting for our political leaders to do the bidding of the people rather than put the people against themselves.
“We are here in Abuja at the instance of the people of Edo state to discuss with political leaders, including President Tinubu. We want reason to prevail before it gets out of hand.
“Somebody should be able to talk to our son, Adams Oshiomhole, to remember how God has favoured him in his political journey. God is favouring him so that he can help lead his people to happiness.
“God did not give him such a measure of power for the wrong reason. Enough is enough for the wise,” Andersen stated.