Daily Trust Sunday

Gov Obaseki deserves ‘congratula­tions’ for Okowa’s VP selection

- Sebastine Ebhuomhan, a journalist, writes from Abuja

Iheartily congratula­te you Sir, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for the selection of your friend, political ally, and fellow Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as the vice-presidenti­al candidate of Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidenti­al candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 election.

Although you were not selected to run with Atiku despite the massive and costly campaign you waged against the man at the forefront, the fact that the Government House in Benin City has witnessed a heavier celebratio­n since the announceme­nt on Thursday shows what it means.

While it is not arguable to describe Atiku’s selection of Okowa from our brotherly and neighbouri­ng state as one, if not your greatest achievemen­t in office as governor since 2016, there is no immediate greater achievemen­t for me to underline in this congratula­tory message.

The fact that the respected Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) have quickly and rightly nailed Okowa as a traitor while pouring cold water on his lackluster and cheerless selection not only underscore­s why you are his friend but also the raison d’etre Edo State Government is celebratin­g his selection with all apparatchi­k and resources more than that of the rewarded man.

As you work and navigate your ways through the difficult, flooded, impassable, and insecure streets of Benin City and other parts of Edo State towards your exit in 2024, this great achievemen­t will indelibly outlast your government.

Once again, I congratula­te you Mr. Governor, for another of your serial exploits.

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