By Elvis Omoregie, Benin
Youths numbering more than five hundred known as Upper Sakponba youths in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have vowed to resist any political mischief makers in the locality ahead of the September 21, governorship election in the state.
The youths made the disclosure during a solidarity march for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) guber candidate in the election, Barr. Asue Ighodalo and his Deputy Barr. Osarodion Ogie in Benin City, the State capital.
The youths said they were out in solidarity to reaffirm their support for the duo, whom they described as born and bred in Upper.
Speaking on behalf of the teeming youths, the Chief Press Secretary to the local government council Chairman, Hon. Esosa Ewere, and the president of Upper Youths Worldwide Edward Edegbe aka Tanko, vowed to go extra lengths to ensure legitimate means to ensure victory for the PDP in the Local Government.
Hon. Ewere said the gathering became necessary in order for them to send strong notes of warnings to trouble makers who are ready to catch on in the Edo 2024 governorship election and also to cause trouble and divide the Upper Sakponba youths against constituted authorities.
He noted that it’s barely one week since the Labour Party LP Barr. Olumide Akpata visited the locality to interact with a small few youths and made some inflammatory statements that could incite the youths against themselves.
Esosa claimed that Akpata’s statement also negates the principle of electioneering campaigns in the State.
According to him, “This is a gathering of over 500 Upper Sakponba youths in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, we seek to send a very strong notes of warnings to trouble makers who want to cash in on the Edo 2024 governorship election to cause trouble and divide Upper Sakponba youths against constituted authorities.
“A few days ago the candidate of Labour Party Olumide Akpata, came and met a small group of Youths about 5 or 6 and he was condemning the anti-cultism law passed by the governor a few weeks ago precisely June 3rd of this month.
“So, we see that as a negation to the constructive campaign gospel that we have been preaching since the commencement of this movement.
“For somebody like that to come to Ikpoba Okha particularly Upper Sakponba where the SSG come from, Upper Sakponba where the council Chairman come from, Upper Sakponba where the current campaign DG also comes from and be making such unguided statements, we see it as an affront to the ideas of developmental good governance portrayed by the Obaseki led administration.”
According to the group, Upper Sakponba Youths for Asue/Ogie comprises different bodies and groups but under one umbrella (UY4AIO2) ready to deliver.