The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Revd Dr Augustine Obiora Akubeze, says the feud between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole must end for the sake of the development of the state.
Akubeze, who doubles as the Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, said that those egging both leaders on in their feud were only hindering the state’s socio-economic development.
He urged the two to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign, saying the feud would leave no beneficiaries but only victims.
Akubeze said that as a nonpartisan clergyman, he expects political leaders to provide necessary environment for economic prosperity in the land.
“The two of them are great men with various administrative skills. With Oshiomhole, we saw a leader who was so close to the grassroots and there was significant development in areas of roads. His style of dressing which he got from his time as a labour leader continued even when he became governor. With Governor Obaseki, you find professionalism in governance; a new style of governance that places professionals in positions to administer agencies of government. There have been significant developments in the various senatorial districts in the State under his leadership. I have told both of them that Edo State needs both of them. They should put the welfare of the people of Edo State before any other personal ambition. The combination of the gifts in each of them will provide better quality leadership in the State. I hope and pray that they are able to do this and set a good example for others to follow in the future. I will also advise that those who seem to be gaining by fanning the difference between them into flame must know that they are not acting in the interest of the people of Edo State. Conflicts among leaders on the long run have no beneficiaries, but only victims,” Akubeze told Saturday Sun.
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