Benin city: Some Igbo traders across the Edo South Senatorial District on Thursday pledged to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Edo council poll, in solidarity with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s appointment of Mr. Martin Oli as commissioner-designate. The traders commended Okpebholo for acknowledging the South Eastern extraction of Nigeria in Edo through this appointment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oli, a businessman and community leader, hails from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Oli was announced as commissioner-designate by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, on June 26.
The traders, who spoke during an awareness campaign in various markets ahead of the Edo local government area election scheduled for Saturday, assured the governor of their readiness to vote in support of the APC. A trader, Mr. Victor Nwosu, stated that the Igbos in the Oredo local government area will vote for APC candidates in the election. Nwosu expressed support for the governor not only because of the appointment but also for his performance in infrastructure development, including road construction and employment across ethnic divides.
Nwosu commended Okpebholo for nominating Oli as commissioner-designate, describing his nomination as a plus to the Igbo race. He assured that there would be a massive turnout of Igbos for the election, highlighting the governor’s responsiveness to the needs of business people and traders in the state, and his enforcement of discipline in market task forces.
Mr. Emeka Anisieke, Vice Chairman of Igbo Traders in Mission Road, also praised the governor for his developmental strides across the state. Anisieke said that they had been waiting for the day when an Igbo man would be appointed to the state executive council, and expressed happiness for Oli’s nomination.
Mr. Obinna Uwede, Vice Chairman of the United Beverage Association Edo, pledged continued support for Okpebholo, emphasizing their stake as positive contributors in the state. Mr. Prince Orinze, former chairman of the Igbo Association, Uwelu Spare Parts Market, remarked on the historic nature of the appointment, vowing continued support for Okpebholo.
Addressing newsmen after the campaign, the commissioner-designate, Oli, urged the traders to remain focused and committed to the APC to attract more inclusivity. Oli emphasized the governor’s demonstration of unity and inclusiveness, noting the significance of his appointment for the Igbo community.
NAN reports that the local government election is slated for Saturday, as announced by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).