EDO GUBER: Umakhihe Concludes Tour of 18 LGAs,Gets Rousing Ovation At Owan Federal constituency

By Editor

February 5, 2024

It was a homecoming for Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, as constituents of Owan Federal Constituency thronged out in thousands to welcome him home as part of his statewide tour ahead of the February 17, 2024 primary.

DailyMonitorngr reports that the APC governorship candidate hopeful had during the statewide tour across the 18 Local Government Areas ended it at the weekend in the Owan federal constituency which is made up of Owan East and Owan West Local Government Area respectively.

Umakhihe had kicked off the  tour  in the Edo South Senatorial district, through to Edo Central and finally climaxed at his Edo North senatorial.

During the tour, he visited various All Progressive Congress, APC local government Secretariats, where, he sold his "Fresh Hope" Agenda to mammoth crowd of party leaders, stalwarts and delegates on his vision and mission for the growth and development of the state.

However, the Owan homecoming, solidified by the plethora of solidarity and support groups that had sprung up in recent times, all rooting for the candidacy of Umakhihe, added more colour and spice to the political aspiration of the man, some described as a "Super Permanent Secretary".

The political journey and triumphant entering into the Owan federal constituency  was indeed an eye-opener and also a testimony to the profundity of love and admiration Umakhihe enjoys among his people.

Various support and solidarity groups stormed both Sabongidda-Ora and Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan West and Owan East respectively for the grand homecoming visitation of the illustrious son 

Overpowered by emotions at the mammoth crowd that gathered and the heroic reception accorded him, an elated Umakhihe expressed profound gratitude to the various support groups and APC stalwarts for their unflinching support and promised not to let them down if given the APC ticket.

The immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, flanked by his wife, Florence Umakhihe, thanked APC leaders, members and delegates who gave him a rousing welcome at every stopover point across Edo State in his bid to woo their support towards his aspiration.

Revealing how the concerns of the people have been taken out of the equation in both governance and public policy formulation in the past 35 years, Umakhihe said he feel the pains of the people and has therefore offered himself to provide good  governance to the people of the state.

He said, his desire to serve the people was because he believes he can make a difference and equally reverse the drift.

Alluding to the outpouring of support and endorsements he garnered across the two other senatorial districts, Edo South and Edo Central during his tour of the Local Government Areas, Umakhihe, who said his ambition is well-grounded, added that he plans to move to the next stage which is to submit his nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC national headquarters in Abuja within the week.

Speaking at the Owan West Local Government Area visitation, Pastor Ojo Agge, APC leader in the locality   said it has been the wish of every Owan to have an Owan person as governor and pray that the ambition of Umakhihe sails through effortlessly.

On his part, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Lawani A.K.A. Abu Millionaire, Owan East, party leader, who doubles as the Edo North campaign D/G of the Oshiomhole/Tinubu/Shettima 2023 campaigns, praised Umakhihe for his phenomenal support to both the party and the people of the two Owan local of  government areas.

Lawani assured him of the local government s total support in realizing his dream to govern Edo State.

Many other Edo North APC leaders who were present at the rousing welcome homecoming campaign tour, include former Majority Leader of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon.(Barr) Foly Ogedengbe, incumbent Minority Leader at the State House of Assembly, Hon (Barr) Eric Okaka, Hon (Barr) Victor Ohiosimuan, Pastor Ojo Agge, Hon Ojo Victor Asein as well as Chief (Mrs) Angelina Agbokhai, amongst others.

The APC Chairman for Owan East LGA, Mallam Isa Abdullahi and his Owan West counterpart, Hon Frank David were also on ground at their various LGAs to give direction.

Earlier, Dr Umakhihe, was at Igarra, headquarters of Akoko Edo local government area where he received the party's endorsement.

The  Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, chairman of the party, Prince Ojo Maliki assured the governorship aspirant of the party's support.

He, however, appreciated the aspirant for his dedication in past offices he has held which shows that he can be entrusted with the leadership of the state as governor.