By Ogochukwu Isioma
Some Catholic organisations, under the auspices of the Christian Political Friends Forum, have endorsed Senator Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for this Saturday’s Governorship election in Edo State.
Among the groups are the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) and the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) — all within the parishes under the Benin Catholic Archdiocese.
The endorsement took place on Monday at the APC Campaign Office secretariat located along Sakponba Road, King’s Square, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
President of the CMO, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Harrison Ogu, who read the endorsement speech, described Okpebholo as ‘a candidate with human face’.
He said, “We are here today to identify with Senator Okpebholo whom we have seen and believe is the right man for the job, someone who will not fight the Catholic Church but benefit us. Even the scripture says, ‘when the righteous is in power, the people rejoice’.”
The groups commended the state deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, a Catholic, for always identifying with the Catholic community and supporting their cause, which they said informed their decision.
They averred that they were not happy with the way he (Shaibu) was treated by the Obaseki-led government and vowed to follow him (Shaibu) wherever he goes politically.
“He (Shaibu) is always willing to identify with us, supporting us all the way. That is why we are saying today, anywhere he goes, we go. He is the only duly recognised deputy governor we know.”
Among the CMOs and CWOs that participated in the exercise include those from the St. Paul, St Albert, Holy Spirit, St Francis, Holy Cross, St Augustine, St Francis, St. Jude, Blessed Tansi, and Ascension.
Dignitaries present include the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo governor and Senator representing Edo North; Senator Monday Okpebholo, Senator representing Edo Central and the APC Governorship candidate and Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Director General of the APC Governorship Campaign.
Others were Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former Secretary to State Government and former Governorship candidate; Blessing Agbomere, a former Governorship aspirant; APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe and Women leader for APC Edo South, Mrs Itohan Ogbeide Edokpolor.
