The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has sent a goodwill message to his counterpart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Godwin Obaseki, on his 63rd birthday.
Ize-Iyamu, yesterday in an online statement, wished the celebrant God’s abundant blessings.
He said: “By divine coincidence, we will be contesting again on different political platforms for the opportunity to lead our people and serve the state as governor. God appears to have arranged musical chairs for both of us, bringing me to APC, which I helped to form and on which platform you contested in 2016, and taking you to PDP, where I previously contested and where you have now expressed your preference. Let the will of God be done.
“I want to assure you that my wish is that we have a campaign devoid of rancour and violence. Edo people need a governor that will help to unify the state, douse the political tension and focus completely on the development of the state.
“As leaders, you and I, including other aspirants, have the opportunity and responsibility to make things better and ensure that our contest is marked by democratic values that drive high standards of behaviour. You have my best and sincerest wishes. Happy birthday.”
APC’s governorship candidate also celebrated with a former Deputy Governor of Edo state, Dr. Pius Odubu, on his birthday.
Odubu is one of the two other governorship aspirants of Edo APC, who were cleared to contest, but both stepped down for Ize-Iyamu, ahead of the party’s direct governorship primary election, where the former Secretary to the Edo State Government (Ize-Iyamu) emerged as the party’s standard bearer.
Edo APC’s governorship candidate said: “On behalf of my family and campaign team, I congratulate you, as you mark your birthday. You have been a dear and deeply-respected friend.
“So, I join many others in blessing the day you were born. Your maturity, intelligence, generosity, and innovative leadership, which continued even throughout your service as Deputy Governor of Edo State for eight years, delivered historic growth and prosperity, touching many lives and winning many hearts.
“Long before you assumed the office of Deputy Governor, you defended the downtrodden in Edo, both in your immediate constituency, through effective representation in government, and across the state.
“In all the years I have known you, you have advocated justice, epitomised goodness and equality, and acted as an avowed ambassador of peace. Your exemplary calm mien, calculated approach and strength of vision continue to inspire and serve as a model to many.
“Those of us who are acquainted with your urbaneness are extremely proud of you, for the life you have lived, the achievements you have recorded and the innumerable contributions you will input to the collective task of moving our state forward.
“Okakuo of the universe, as those of us who are your admirers fondly call you, I am grateful to you for your support and leadership.”
