Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday vowed to publish the activities of former governor, Lucky Igbinedion while in office. He also said he is not afraid of telling the truth about Igbinedion’s father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
Oshiomhole spoke when thousands of women dressed in white attire marched through the streets of Benin City, demanding an apology from Chief Igbinedion to the people of the state.
The massive protest by the women dressed in white and bearing placards, was a counter offensive against an earlier protest staged last week Tuesday by women loyal to father of former governor Lucky Igbinedion, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, with some of them going half nude, amidst swearing and cursing.
But in contrast, the women during Monday’s protest, wore white and bore placards with various inscriptions.
The women carried placards with inscriptions such as – “Esama leave Oshiomhole alone.” “Chief Igbinedion stop using youths and women to cause trouble,” “Edo people must move forward,” “Oshiomhole, Edo people are proud of you” and “Igbinedion, go and pay Land Use charge.”
Some of the placards read: “Igbinedion, leave Oshiomhole alone; No vacancy in Osadebey House, APC has come to stay; Enemy of Edo people, leave Oshiomhole alone; and Our Governor respects elders.”
Some women who dressed in red attire known as “Ododo” last week protested to the Emotan shrine about Oshiomhole’s invectives on the Esama and his policies.
The women who were drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, marched through the King’s Square and ended their protest at the Government House where they were addressed by Governor Oshiomhole.
Representatives of the women groups who spoke in Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo languages, expressed solidarity and support for the governor for his developmental strides in the state, adding “we are in white for purity. You’re loved. We support you.”
Responding, Governor Oshiomhole who thanked the women for their support, noted that their white smybolized peace and development for the state.
He assured the protesters that he will continue to do his best to make dividends of democracy available to the state before the end of his administration, adding that he would remain focused and avoid any distraction from his detractors.
Those who spoke to journalists said Oshiomhole has brought infrastructural development to the riverine areas.
“We have seen your good work. We came to tell you not to be afraid. We heard what people are saying but we are behind you. Nothing will happen to you,” they stated.
Oshiomhole on his part said he would be ashamed to talk in public if two of his children were convicted for corruption and money laundering.
Governor Oshiomhole and the Igbinedion family had been engaged in a war of words over alleged mismanagement of state funds and implementation of the state’s Land Use Charge Law
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