By Seyi Babalola
The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said the incumbent governor of the State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, remains his friend despite their political and party differences.
Oshiomhole spoke while giving his goodwill message at the 2023 Alaghodaro Summit, with the theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future,” taking place in Benin City, the Edo State capital between November 8 and 12, 2023.
The Alaghodaro Summit is organised yearly by the Edo State Government, in partnership with the private sector, to mark the anniversary of Governor Godwin Obaseki in office and showcase the progress being recorded in transforming the State into an investment haven.
Oshiomhole, who thanked Obaseki for hosting the Alaghodaro Summit and inviting him, said he wants the world to know that Godwin Obaseki is his friend not enemy.
He noted, “Being friends doesn’t mean we can’t disagree or have different opinions but we must treat ourselves with love and care.
“Regardless of what people say, we should not give the impression that different options translate to war. People don’t need the tears of leaders joining them to lament but taking bold steps to solve the problem facing the people.”
According to him, “Having the privilege as a governor, I have high regard for the Office of the Governor and for the governor himself. To have all the civilian governors elected in the State present here today speaks volumes. We definitely belong to different political parties but the sum total of those parties is not equal to Edo State. What this means to me is that we can politic differently but never have doubt about the shared commitment to the citizens of the State that should be the greatest in Nigeria.
“The language of leaders matters to followers. What defines democracy is that of ideology, even if we share the same destination but the route to get there may differ, it should not be a matter of war. I thought the world should know that Godwin is my friend. It doesn’t matter; being friends does not mean we cannot debate or disagree but being friends means we treat ourselves with love and care and bring our followers together.”
The senator added, “I am happy that with all the challenges in Nigeria, Nigeria is greater than the challenges.”
Earlier, Obaseki said his government has, in the past seven years, reengineered Edo State for growth and development, and consciously laid a solid foundation for the State’s future.
The governor in his address at the summit, noted that the government focused on six thematic pillars, including institutional reforms, economic revolution, social welfare, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and arts and culture, noting that the bold reforms have positively impacted the lives of millions of Edo people, placing the State on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.
Two former governors of the State, John Odigie-Oyegun and Lucky Igbinedion, were also present at the event, with both of them taking to the podium at different time to commend Obaseki for his lofty achievements and visionary leadership, which they said has transformed the State and placed it on the part of greatness.
