From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has urged candidates of political parties contesting the September 10 election to embrace peace in their quest to govern the state.
Speaking at an interactive session with the candidates, the Edo State director of Social Security Outreach of PFN, Professor Anthony Ogbeide emphasied that good governance should be the thrust of religious groups, policy makers, political leaders and the people.
Professor Ogbeide who said the meeting was to streamline ideas, refine methodologies for the interest of the people at large, urged the candidates to be respectful in their campaign statement and desist from lies and blackmail.
He said development, employment, education, equity in sharing of power and resources, moderate lifestyle and accessibility to the people, periodic evaluation and town hall meeting should be prioritized by the candidates.
“There should be no campaign of calumny. Use the campaign to respectfully unveil your plans to the people you want to govern. It is not a period of accusations and counter accusations and blackmail.
“Make the voting field peaceful without scaring voters. Accept defeat when it is so obvious and develop the team spirit for successful governance, enduring peace and security in the state “, he admonished.
In his speech, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, told the congregation that he wants to be the next governor to put smiles, give hope and transform the lives of people of the state.
He described his ambition as God’s will for Edo people, adding that the outcome is left for God to decide.