Social Media users have knocked the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for urging the people of Edo State to reject the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Godwin Obaseki in Saturday’s Governorship election.
In a viral video circulating on various online platforms, the former Lagos State Governor called on Edo State voters to reject Obaseki, noting that he does not deserve a single vote in Saturday’s election.
He also tagged Obaseki as a dictator, saying that while he was taking part in the democratic struggle in the 1990s, Obaseki was nowhere to be found hence the governor’s inability to appreciate democratic institutions.
Tinubu claimed that Obaseki refused to take the advice of the National Assembly and the Attorney-General of the Federation to let the 14 members of the House of Assembly be inaugurated.
“I want to appeal to you to reject Godwin Obaseki in this coming election. I have suffered with many others to bring about this democratic regime, that today, we are enjoying in the country. Then, Godwin Obaseki didn’t participate in any aspect of the struggle to enshrine democracy in the country.
“Therefore, he could not understand the value and the pains associated with this democratic struggle,” Tinubu stated.
“Several institutions and leaders of our country appealed to him to respect constitutional democracy but he rejected all entreaties. He rejected the appeal of the National Assembly.
“When the Attorney-General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria enumerated the path of honour and the constitution of the country, rather than obey and respect the law, he vandalised the House of Assembly in Edo by removing the roofs, burning gravels and rocks at the entrance of the House of Assembly only to prevent these 14 members from being sworn-in. Now, he is asking for our votes, your votes, our dear people. Is he a democrat? No, he is not.”
However, Tinubu’s statements have generated lots of reactions from Nigerians as they condemned the action of the former Lagos governor.
Social media users did not spare Tinubu as they accused him of plotting to ensure the APC wins Edo State at all costs to aid his supposed 2023 Presidential ambition.
@AlexEBGold said, “Dear BAT you told us to reject GEJ and Nigeria’s problems ll be solved. See where that has brought us today. Now you are telling us to do same in my dear State Edo. Going by status quo pls allow us to vote our choice. Remember 2023 is close pls sow good seed”.
@saunkeys said, “Lol, just like ambode abiii , na the pastor deserve vote . Tinubu is too desperate about 2023.”
@UmebulueRobins1 wrote, “And Ize is the one who deserved it abi? Old age is really disturbing Tinibu to think that he can say that and people will follow him. You marketed Obaseki then so why reject him now because he did not give you a portion of your demand. People self.”
@Tonyhamilton922 also wrote, “A man who unloaded 3Bullion Vans of Cash on the eve of General Elections & recruited Thugs led by MC Oluomo to stop & burn Ballots in opposition strongholds think of himself a True Democrat? Does Democracy have different meaning in Nigeria?
@rvdipson said, “Ask Tinubu, what has Obaseki done for him? I think it could be your perceived notion that he could a threat to your 2023 inordinate presidential ambition. Nigeria will reject you too. For same measure will be measured for you.”
@abimbolatof wrote, “Tinubu supported Bello for the second tenure despite his glaring failure, now same Tinubu is asking Edo people not to vote Obaseki despite his giant strides across all sector. Tinubu is an enemy of progress and should be ignored, he’s only interested in Edo’s treasury.”
Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun has revealed that outsiders such as Tinubu can never determine the choice of the people of Edo State on they will vote on Saturday.
He stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday, where he called on all political gladiators to ensure that Saturday’s election is peaceful.
“I read with great consternation and disgust a statement purportedly issued by me on a so-called outcome of the gubernatorial election in Edo State.
“First let me state emphatically that at no time did I issue any statement, verbally or written, on the fortunes of the APC, or any other party in the imminent election. The said statement which is making rounds in social media could only have originated from sick minds and desperate persons of criminal orientation.
“My views and statements on the Edo State political situation have been consistent.
“I strongly advised against the mistreatment of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki by the late unlamented National Working Committee, (NWC), of the APC and his subsequent forced exit from the APC. Governor Obaseki stood bravely for the dignity and pride of his people and in the process suffered unacceptable indignities.
“In the matter of who governs Edo State, the people are sovereign and no individual or group, whatever their status, can decide on their behalf. I stand with the people of Edo State and urge them to come out massively to exercise their democratic right! They should vote for good governance, common decency, principled leadership, especially in the political arena and the protection of their vital democratic rights. They should by their votes, make clear that it is their right to choose their Governor and nobody else! There is no room for fence sitters.
“This is a special situation and primitive loyalties should and must be set aside. Remember Mr President’s admonition in an equally challenging preelection situation in Imo State. “Vote your conscience”. There will be peace on Saturday. Come out and vote your conscience.
SOURCE: THE PLEDGE
