By Monday Ajogun
Some Igbo traders across Edo South Senatorial District on Thursday, pledged to vote for APC in the Edo council poll in solidarity with Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s appointment of Mr Martin Oli as commissioner- designate.
The traders commended Okpebholo for the recognition of the South Eastern extraction of Nigeria in Edo , through the appointment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oli, a businessman and community leader, hails from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu state.
Oli was announced commissioner designate by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor on June 26.
The traders, who spoke during an awareness campaign in various markets, ahead of the Edo local government area election scheduled for Saturday , assured the governor of their readiness to vote in support of the APC.
A trader, Mr Victor Nwosu, said the Igbos in Oredo local government area of the state will vote for APC candidates in the election.
“We support the governor not just because of the appointment but for his performance on infrastructure. The road construction and rehabilitation works and employment across ethnic divides speak volumes.
Nwosu commended Okpebholo for nominating Oli as commissioner-designate, describing his nomination as a plus to the Igbo race.
He assured that they there would be massive turnout of Igbos for the election.
He said the governor is highly responsive to the needs of business people and traders in the state, and had enforced discipline anytime there were complaints against designated market task force members.
“We are particularly impressed by the governor’s intentional fight against cultism, before now, we used to close from our stores by 6:00 p. m. to avoid being attacked but now, we are open till 9:00 p. m., without fear of attack.
“The governor has really done well in terms of fighting crimes in the state, and we are proud of him, Edo has the least ratio of insecurity nationwide,” he said.
Another trader, Mr Emeka Anisieke, who is the Vice Chairman, Igbo Traders in Mission Road, commended the governor for his developmental stride across the state.
“We have been waiting for the day when an Igbo man would be appointed into the state executive council, and that day has come, and we are happy for his nomination,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Obinna Uwede, the Vice Chairman, United Beverage Association Edo, pledged their continued support of Okpebholo.
“We have lived and done business in Edo and we are happy to be seen as positive stakeholders.”
On his part, Mr Prince Orinze, the former chairman of the Igbo Association, Uwelu Spare Parts Market said the governor made history with the appointment.
“I have been in Benin since 1972, this is the first time any governor would appoint an Igbo man into his cabinet, for this singular gesture, we will continue to support Okpebholo with our votes,” he said.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the campaign, the commissioner-designate, Oli, urged the traders to remain focused and committed to the APC to attract more inclusivity.
“My message to them is simple, let us remain focused and fully committed to this government, this is a government of inclusiveness, a true government of the people.
“The governor is not only showing one Nigeria, he is demonstrating it, I am happy and you can see that my people are happy because their brother has been appointed a commissioner, this has never happened before.
“With my appointment, Igbos have reaffirmed their support for our governor in the forthcoming local government election and the general election and they are going to vote APC all the way,” he said.
NAN reports that the local government election is slated for Saturday, by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AJOM/CHOM