News From Nigeria
Austin Taye Pedro, a senior public servant, researcher, member of cultural and community associations in Nigeria, must count himself lucky to have escaped assassination,
The son of a Second Republic politician and chieftain of defunct Action Group (AG), Chief Alfred Ayoola Pedro, Taye Pedro has a dream to be a lawmaker in Osun State. So he is following his dream by joining forces with members of cultural, political and community groups to campaign for good governance in the state.
His father, the Ile-Ife high chief in his days provided a safe haven for political refugees in his community. The Arubidi of Ile-Ife family compound became home for AG supporters sent out of various compounds and other Yoruba towns due to political victimization.
Chief Pedro, popularly called Baba Peddy of Arubidi by his numerous admirers was a ‘freedom fighter. He worked for the emancipation, and political liberation of the people through education.
But the young Pedro is sad that his vision of representing Ife East State Constituency may not be going smoothly. He is even disgusted by the actions of thugs loyal to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.
Petro cries from the heart about his ordeal.
‘’On Tuesday, August 15, 2024 at about 8:30 pm, political thugs carrying planks, cutlasses and knives attacked me at Mile 12 , Lagos’’.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain survived another assassination attempt on May 16, 2015
‘’At about 8:00pm, political thugs numbering about four wielding sophisticated weapons attacked him at the entrance of his 82, Aina Road, Lagos flat. He was rushed to hospital for treatment’
He said it was God who saved him.
‘’On December 20, 2015, my wife left me with our two children as a result of psychological and emotional trauma’’.
The Osun State House of Assembly candidate has more pathetic stories to tell.
‘On March 26, 2016, the attacks persisted. We were attacked in our 82, Aina Road Agiliti Mile 12 Lagos flat by five political thugs with knives and cutlasses’’.
‘’On January 10, 2017, I got a call that I need to come home. My wife was attacked by three political thugs carrying machete, sticks and other weapons. She was taken to the hospital on February 4, 2017. The incident was reported to the police’ he said.
Pedro says he now fear of another attack.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, on Wednesday received the full backing of leading activists, civil society groups, lawyers, journalists and political leaders from all parts of Edo State.
‘Asue Ighodalo is the best man for the job. We’re looking forward to his election’’ the professionals said.
They also described the APC governorship candidate as dull, cold and colourless.
‘Asue Ighodalo is serious minded, purposeful, people oriented and a leader that understands what governance is all about’’
At a meeting to share perspectives and strategies on how to ensure the victory of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, the professionals vowed to ensure the defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Asue Ighodalo’s election is certain. The road ahead is so smooth”
Edo State Professional spokesman and member of PDP Legacy Group, Mr. Humphrey Obanor, in a statement in Benin, said the professionals extolled the current governor of Edo State, Gowin Obaseki for building strong communities, generating growth and creating opportunities for the good people of Edo State.
‘Senator Monday Okpebholo is not travelling well in public opinion polls, largely due to incompetence. He lacks a clear policy plan. His political appeal remains limited’’
The professionals praised Obaseki for fulfilling electoral pledges made, building roads, expanding business development and empowering the people.
‘’ The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is very committed to the future of Edo State. Asue Ighodalo will make Edo State great’’.
They vowed to resist all attempts to drag Edo State backward by enemies of progress.
‘’Greed and envy have set in to becloud the sense of reasoning of some individuals in Edo State. Most people see the APC candidate and his running mate as not possessing the leadership character required to lead Edo State in this new age’’
The professionals scolded Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for assaulting the sensibility of the populace with mundane rhetoric.
They highlighted economic growth in rural communities, the welfare of workers in the state, investments in electricity, clean water and better health care.
They also emphasized a better educated, healthier and more prosperous Edo State.
‘’Nothing is more critical to our state’s future than urging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to continue in Edo State’’
Asue Ighodalo is expected to cruise to victory in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’We care about results. Asue Ighodalo’s standing in the polls is, in fact, formidable’’