Edo poll: APGA candidate advocates rule of law, accountability

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Edo state, Isaiah Osifo, on Tuesday, identified rule of law, accountability, due process,, independent House of Assembly, autonomous and a well funded local government to achieve sustainable development in the state.

Osifo, who spoke in Benin, also highlighted professional impartial public service and the autonomy of judiciary as values Edo State must invest in to drive meaningful development.

He said that he could deliver these in 30 days if elected as governor of the state, noting that money is not all that is needed to put the state on the part of development.

Osifo, who is also a former Chairman of Uhumwonde Local Government Area and former Chief of Staff to former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, condemned immunity for the state governor, calling for equality of the citizens under the constitution.

He also refuted speculation of any alliance with the People Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress or the Labour party, noting that he is into the race to win on account of his sterling credentials and records in public service and challenged other candidate to submit themselves for public scrutiny.

He said, “The six key elements I mentioned are things you can achieve in 30 days without spending money and that will put the state on the path of rapid development and progress.

“You cannot talk of democracy without the rule of law. For example, those houses demolished by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s government are owned by individuals, was there judgment given by any court of law for the demolition?

“A state that has rule of law will not just pounce on people’s property and demolished them. There is no rule of law in Edo State as far as am concerned. If I am elected, I will ensure we are all equal under the law.

“I don’t even believe in the immunity for governors because you can’t commit crime and say you are covered by the immunity clause . What kind of immunity is that? Everybody must be equal before the law. A citizen must know that he is equal to the governor and I don’t need money to do that,” Osifo averred.

Osifo further promised to revive the fortune of the state with massive investment in agriculture which he said has the capability to provide jobs for millions of unemployed youths and food security