As Edo Local Government Chairmanship Election Draws Close
.... aspirants warm up for task ahead.
By Oriaifoh Godwins
A number of persons in the five local government areas of Edo Central are already warming up for the position of the number one citizen in their respective local government areas, as Edo state Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, set timetable for the local government Election in the state.
In Esan central local government area, the battle for the position of the chairman of the local government has been made easy for the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the leaders pruned down eligible contestants to those from wards 5 and 6. In view of this, all those from other wards that were intherto showing interest in contesting eventually dumped the idea leaving only Prince Abdulahi Momodu of ward 5 to remain in the race. This eventually settled the question of who wears the cap, in the APC for the position, even though other political parties are yet to show interest in the election, as no candidate from any other political party is showing any interest.
In Esan West, just as it is in Esan central, a good number of persons initially signified interest to contest for the position of the Chairman of Esan West, but it appears some political calculations and political appointments from the state government "filtered out" many hitherto aspirants, thereby leaving a couple in the APC who are still standing. As at today, Hon. Ebhodaghe, who is currently the acting Chairman of the local government, appears to be favoured by the local government's APC leadership to contest for the position.
Again, just like it is in Esan central, no other party is showing interest in contesting.
Contrary to what obtains in Esan central and Esan West however, in Igueben local government area, a 'sea' of people are aspiring to be the Chairman of the local government area. As at the time of writing this report, names that came up, include; Hon. Engr. Emmanuel Osakwe Imonite, Hon. Fidelis Ogbejiele, Hon. Endurance Azamegbe, Hon. Ndidi Justice Otoaguan, Hon. Maxwell Isima, Hon. Anthony Edimaro, Hon. Osayi Ugboko, Hon. Agboniselobhor Eseigboria, Hon. Victor Ugboh and Hon. Patience Oboh. Others include, Hon. Kennedy Oboirah, Hon. Andrew Aimierobhiye, Chief Best Ose and Mr. Augustus Omakaro Iriara.
In Esan North East local government area, the All Progressives Congress, APC, after due consultation and internal arrangements, appears to have settled for Prince Saturday Iyoha. Findings revealed that the All Progressives Congress leadership in the Local Government Area, unanimously agreed for him to contest for the Chairmanship position.
Again, just like it is in other local government areas earlier reported, so far, no other political party is featuring any candidate for the position in Esan North East Local Government Area.
In Esan South East local government area, the situation is similar to what obtains in Igueben local government area, as a plethora of aspirants under the platform of the APC, are showing interest in contesting for the position of the Chairman of the local government area.
Amongst the myriad of aspirants however, one name stands out: Hon. Cornelius Amhiegbereta.
Hon. Amhiegbereta, is the foremost aspirant for the position of the Chairman of Esan South East local government area. This is because he is a known name in the local government area a fervent, consistent and staunch member of the All Progressives Congress, who has been showing interest in contesting for the position and has each time, been respecting The interest and decisions of the leadership of the party in their decisions and choices. Hon. Amhiegbereta this time around, appears to be the aspirant that will be most favored to contest for the position of the Chairman of Esan south east local government area.
However, some other names that appears to be showing interest include: Hon. Endurance Ojiezele, Hon. Eugene Iyoha, Hon. Tega Aimigbebhor, amongst others.
As days pass by, and the Edo state local government elections draws close, the people of Edo state anxiously wait for who wears the cap in the respective local government areas in Edo Central.