Anenih’s state burial sparked rift with Oshiomhole – Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said that one of the problems his administration has with Adams Oshiomhole was that he organised a state burial for the Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Tony Anenih.

Obaseki disclosed this while presenting the party’s candidates, Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, to the people of Esan North East Local Government area of Edo State.

At the time of the burial, Obaseki was still with the APC, though his relationship with Oshiomhole was strained as both had fallen out over party and governance issues.

Speaking to party supporters at Okpujie Demonstration Primary School, Uromi, Obaseki said the former governor questioned the rationale behind his organising a state burial for the deceased.

He said, “When Chief Tony Anenih died, I gave him a state burial as an APC member and this is one of the things that caused problems between Oshiomhole and I. He said he was not an elected official, why would I give him a State burial? I said the man has done more than many governors so he deserved it.

“Before coming here to campaign we went to his (Anenih’s) village to pray and to thank him for what he did for the Esan land, Edo State and Nigeria.

“I say Edo must be one, united and to achieve this every part of Edo state must produce governor. Edo North and South have produced and it’s time for the Esan people to produce the governor. It is left for you to deliver him.

“APC does not love Esan people as the candidates they plan to impeach the candidates after three months and take over the state to run it the way they like.

“Esan has produced people like the Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, the Late Chief Tony Anenih, and Prof. Osaremen Osunbor and now wants to bring Monday Okpebholo who can’t measure up to these people. It’s an insult to Esan people”.

The governor charged the people to embark on massive campaign after this rally to mobilize and get more people and new voters in readiness for the September 21, governorship election in the State.

“I charge you to mobilise for PDP in this election and ensure that Ighodalo and Ogie win the September 21st governorship election”.

Ighodalo said Uromi is the stronghold of the PDP and capital of Esan land, noting that stronger politicians have emerged from Uromi.

“Obaseki has done so much for Edo people in terms of roads, hospitals, healthcare, and sports. Those he couldn’t finish we will complete them. APC policies have continued to remove money from our pocket and increase our suffering and hardship, but we are coming to bring a better life for Edo people”.

Former chairman of Esan North East local government area, John Yakubu said the council area has verified over 4,000 canvassers that carry the party messages of prospects and growth to our people.