Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) campaign management council has inaugurated a 200-member Religious Organisation and Cultural Affairs Committee.
The committee inaugurated by Anthony Aziegbemi, state chairman of the party, was under the social groups of Asue Ighodalo/Osarodion Ogie governorship campaign council.
Speaking shortly after inaugurating the committee in Benin City, Aziegbemi noted that the party placed much premium on the committee as it is closer to the grassroots people.
He opined that the committee would do itself a good favour by helping the party to win the election so that the government would also help them to reduce the number of worshippers asking them for assistance.
According to him, “We believe you will be doing yourself a word of good if you do more for us now so that you will have less people coming to your churches and mosques because once the government does very well there will be less people coming to your churches and mosques seeking for help.
“For some of us, we think that you will be helping us to help you to slow down and reduce the rate of people coming to your churches and mosque to ask for help.
“In all your churches and mosques people come there every day and every worship day, and you see suffering in their faces and bodies. That shows the level of suffering in our land.
“For us, this segment of the campaign council is so important because you are the people that are very close to the people at the grassroots.”
He, however, urged the committee members to take the job seriously by moving from local government to local government, ward to ward and unit to unit to woe more eligible voters to vote for the candidate of the party.
In his acceptance speech, Osagie Erhunmwunse, deputy director general for the Edo State PDP campaign management council for religious organisation and cultural affairs said members of the committee were drawn from the 192 wards of the state.
Erhunmwunse, who said the members represented all the religions faith in the state, noted that it was a testament to the unity of purpose of the various religious blocks in the state.
“As we approach the commencement of this pivotal campaign season, I am filled with a sense of purpose and readiness to embark on this journey alongside my esteemed team.
“Together, we carry the torch of progress and inclusivity, recognising the vital role that religious and cultural affairs play in the fabric of our society.
“These men are no strangers to the economic and political challenges of Edo State. And so, for us going to sell these candidates fills us with enthusiasm because we are going to sell a product, we totally believe in.
“Sir, we bring to this council a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the needs of our diverse religious and cultural communities.
“Through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, we are poised to amplify the voices of the people, ensuring that their aspirations resonate at the heart of our campaign.
“As we stand at the threshold of this new chapter, I call upon every Edo resident to join hands with us in this noble endeavour.
“Together, let us forge ahead with passion and unity, knowing that our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter future for Edo State,” he added.
