Text of the Processional rally and endorsement 4 Comrade AdamsOshiomhole by the BNC
Edo, wa gia gba ze iro' alaghodaro (Edo people, lets consciously reason together to sustain the tangible human and social development of our motherland); being the title of a processional rally and endorsement for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for 2nd term as Governor of Edo State, come July 14th election, by the Benin National Congress. 15th May 2012.
In the spirit of 'alaghodaro' (terrific human and social development), the entire members and trustees of the Benin National Congress do here and now pronounce our unflinching and dispassionately examined endorsement of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole as the candidate to be elected by conscientious electorates of Benin nation come July 14th2012 election. As a social cultural organization, we are grieved by the diabolic resort to tribalized-campaign therapy against the person and character of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by some centrifugal forces; in spite of the Governor's zest for the overall transformation of Edo south people; and it became expediently-compelling on us (members and trustees) to pronounce our endorsement for a cerebral and people-oriented candidate of the caliber of Comrade Adams A. Oshiomhole as the high point of this defining processional rally.
Dr. Apadorai (a renowned Indian-American political scientist) defined politics as “the science of the state and of the conditions necessary for its growth and development”. Politicians are by nature expected to pursue their political ambitions or interests along the lines of 'growth' and 'development' of their constituents. And if our recent history as a people (Edo) is anything to go by, since assumption of office on Wednesday 12th November 2008, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has shown uncommon tenacity, exemplary simplicity and uncompromising vision for quality governance; and unassailable mark of transformation of our dear state when compared to past administrations of Edo state, whether military or civilian. It is instructive to reiterate that the 'gospel of Benin agenda' underpins humane regards for Edo south people in all ramifications of socio-economic and political inter-play in Edo state and Nigeria; and under the governance program of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, we are yet to observe any tangible or reasonable indifference to this landmark resolve of true Benins. So any pedestrian resort to tribal sentimentality by persons or groups against the monumental projects and transformation by the Adams Oshiomhole's administration cannot stand the test of time.
As ethnic and culturally inclined as Benin National Congress may be perceived by the concerned public, we have never succumb to outright tribal rationalization over and above REASON, and JUSTICE since the existence of our organization was given birth to, about ten years ago; and no parochial expediency will compel us to undermine this noble resolve. Politics aside, the mass of Edo people are satisfied with the esteemed pedigree, and governance-program of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as well as the towering image and name that his political platform – the Action Congress of Nigeria has earned for itself, on account of the tenacious pursuit for the fruits of democracy for the downtrodden Nigerians, since coming on board as a registered political party in Nigeria. Our resolve is predicated on the verifiable monumental and transformative projects scattered across the three senatorial districts within the short period of three years, and lean resources accruing to Edo State. Therefore, we cannot recommend anything less for the present and future interests of Edo people; we do unequivocally pronounce him as the beloved candidate of Edo people, and should be overwhelmingly returned as Governor in the July 14thelection by the grace of God almighty and the ancestors of our land. Amen.
Remarkable progress can ONLY be achieved by the combination of a disciplined and visionary leader; and a political party that has a good history of enduring democratic practice. Keen observers of political events have observed that some of the aspirants who seeks exulted public office, like the post of a State Governor in Nigeria lacks verifiable record of community service; patriotic disposition towards the upliftment, empowerment or employment of their fellow citizens in the various positions or formations that they were opportuned to have served in the past; or the political platform that they seek to contest the election may have a questionable image in the minds of the electorates. But, the odds favor Adams Oshiomhole in view of his antecedent and performance as NLC President and Governor of Edo state in the last three and a half years. He has not also betrayed the trustees of the Congress, having regards to the honor that was bestowed on him at the 2ndBenin National Merit Award on the 27th of December 2006, at Urhokpota Hall, christened as Apostleof Good Governance Award.
At this stage of Nigeria's national life, politics should be viewed from developmental pedestal rather than tribal or parochial considerations which does not augur well for the wellbeing of our present and future generations. We will pursue and defend this meritorious solidarity for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Dr. Pius Egberamwen Odubu as appropriate as possible; and to its very logical conclusion.
Elder Idurobo Steven Aigbekaen
Member, Board of Trustees
Comrade Scott Ogbemudia
Secretary General