In a recent and highly charged campaign event, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a prominent leader within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), made a startling declaration. The former governor announced his intention to demolish the Benin City Mall, which he referred to as “Shoprite,” despite its significance as a key commercial hub for the state.
In an open letter to Edo citizens, Chris Osa Nehikhare, Edo State’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, responded to this statement, stating that Oshiomhole’s threat is motivated by a personal vendetta against the people of Edo State. Nehikhare suggested that the former governor’s animosity stems from the rejection of his party’s candidates in previous elections and jealousy over the progress made by the current administration. He further urged citizens to reflect on the consequences of supporting a party led by an individual prone to “destructive and irresponsible behavior.”
The letter reads;
“I feel compelled to bring to your attention a concerning statement made by a former governor and leader of the opposition APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during a recent campaign event. The former governor has publicly announced his intention to destroy the Benin City Mall, which, with his limited ability, still refers to as shoprite.
“It is evident that this threat stems from a place of personal vendetta against Edo people who are enjoying the mall and have consistently rejected his party’s candidates and jealousy towards the current governor and the progress that has been made in our state.”
Nehikhare further emphasized the importance of electing leaders who prioritize development over personal grievances, warning against allowing “unfulfilled ambitions” to dictate the future of Edo State. He pointed to various instances of neglect during Oshiomhole’s tenure, such as the dilapidation of the State Secretariat Complex, the Ministry of Education in Iyaro, and the abandonment of key institutions like the College of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and the College of Nursing.
“As residents, we must consider the implications of supporting and voting for a party and led by an individual who resorts to such destructive and irresponsible behaviour.
“I urge you to weigh your options and consider the future of our state when casting your vote. You must vote for a party that wants to build and not destroy. It now makes sense why as Governor, Oshiomhole let the State secretariat complex to rot. Why he neglected the Ministry of Education in Iyaro in a state of ruination, why college of Agriculture Iguoriakhi was no more than ̈ a glorified poultry farm, why college of nursing was abandoned. I could go on and on.
“Let us not allow personal grudges and unfulfilled ambitions to dictate the direction of our State.
“Together, we can choose leaders who prioritize the well-being and development of our state over personal agendas.
“Please think critically and consider the best interests of our state when making your decision at the polls. Let us stand united in support of progress, unity, and a brighter future for Edo State.”
Finally, Nehikhare called on Edo residents to unite behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, whom he described as a “builder” committed to the state’s progress.
“Only the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP stands for unity, progress and à brighter future. Its candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo is a builder. Evidence abound of the businesses and lives he has built.
“Ŵe must reject APC… EDO STATE DESERVE BÙILDERS NOT DESTROYERS.“