Edo Governorship election will be free and fair – Jonathan

Barely two weeks to the Edo State Governorship election, President Gooodluck Jonathan on Saturday assured residents of the state of peaceful poll conduct saying that the organisers of the election must adhere to the principle of One Man, One vote.

The president, who arrived the Benin airport aboard a presidential jet at about 11: 36am, was received by the Edo state governor Adams Oshiomhole amid other top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts and top federal government dignitaries before leaving for the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo n’ Oba Erediauwa.

Speaking at the packed venue of the Dr Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Mr Jonathan assured residents of the state of peaceful poll conduct, even as he called on PDP members in the state to mobilise to ensure victory.

Expressing his commitment to free and fair election, the president thanked the people of the state for voting him during the 2011 presidential election, saying it was in the state he started his ‘one man, one vote’ campaign.

“It was here in this state that I said that we must change the way we do elections in this country; this time around, there will be no thuggery, it is going to be one man one vote. I came here to promise the people of Edo State that they should keep faith with that promise.

“This morning before I came, I asked the Inspector-General of Police, ‘Are you ready for Edo State?’ He said yes. I asked the Chief of Defence Staff, ‘Are you ready for Edo State?’ He said yes.

“I guarantee 100 percent security for your election and there will be no manipulation, election results will be entered at the various units and nobody will change figures.

“PDP is the dominant party. As long as you mobilise and vote PDP, we will win. I am sure that, come July 14, PDP will rule Edo.”

A leader of the party, Tony Anenih, speaking earlier, said that the PDP is prepared for the forthcoming election.

“We want to put in place a government that will be responsive to the yearnings of the people. Mr. President, your presence here has raised our hope,” Mr Anenih said.

“You have energised us. We need a free and fair election. We want to make sure that on Election Day, all the candidates will be given equal opportunity to vote and go home,” he added.

Those on the President’s entourage to Edo included Vice-President Namadi Sambo; PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur; and state chairman, Dan Orbih.

The Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim, Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Seriaki Dickson (Bayelsa), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Idris Wada (Kogi) were also on President Jonathan entourage to Edo State.