Lucky Isibor
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC and a former aid to Adams Oshiomhole, Honourable John Mayaki ,has called on Edo people to through their weight behind the candidate who has demonstrated competence and the ability to govern the state, regardless of party affiliation, in the upcoming September 21 Edo State governorship election.
Mayaki made the call on Friday, 14 June at the 5th Edition of Mayaki’s ,”Roundtable with Friends in the Media, ” at the NUJ Press Centre, Benin City.
He said, though Party is Supreme , Competence and the Future of Edo State must be put into consideration.
“My party at the state level is currently factionalized and fragmented, but that’s not the issue for discussion today. What matters to me now is the development of Edo State and not party supremacy. Who will lead us to the promised land? Who has the capacity, competence, connections, experience, and sincerity to provide the leadership needed to tackle the enormous challenges in governance and take the state out of the woods?
“I have made up my mind to commit myself to encouraging my numerous supporters across the state, especially in my local government area, ward, and unit, that they vote for the candidate who will best develop the state, regardless of political affiliation. I mean a man who has the carriage, clout and charisma befitting of a governor.
“Let me also state here that I will not support those who wished me dead during my hospitalization. Sometimes, God allows some things to happen to us so we can learn a lesson or two, or to make informed decisions. The accident, though unfortunate, taught me some lessons especially about those who wish to lead us but lack compassion. Perhaps, they thought I wouldn’t recover”.
Adding that, they seek power without understanding its purpose.
“They did not visit me in the hospital or at home after my discharge, yet they were quick to seek my support for the election—how callous.
” It’s simple—if someone doesn’t value you, they deserve to lose you. Those who put me last while I put them first by supporting them even on my hospital bed do not deserve my support”.
While enumerating his expectations of a Governor that will take over the mantle of leadership from the incumbent Governor later this year, Mayaki emphasised that his party, the APC doesn’t have anyone on the ballot that meets those qualities.
“I mean the candidate who has a clear vision and thorough understanding of the mandate he’s seeking for. One who has remained focused and committed to taking development to all corners of Edo State and alleviate the sufferings of the people in our various communities. The one who has equally applied the right leadership style and judiciously applied his limited stock in governance.
“The strength of a leader’s vision, the methods he employs in driving the vision, his communication and ensuing goodwill and popularity, all add up.
“My candidate is the man we can all trust. The man who has networks and connections both home and abroad. The man with ‘moral’ or ethical reputation, not a novice to governance system. This man is not of the APC stock because irrespective of party supremacy, the future of Edo state is more supreme in my heart. My first commitment is to the state while the party is secondary”.