By Favour Percy-Idubo/ Benin
THE chances of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, has received a boost as traders at the New Benin Market, yesterday, endorsed them saying that they believe in their ability to turn the fortune of the state around.
The endorsement followed Ighodalo’s mid-morning visit to the market which turned into a carnival-like show as the women danced and showed support for the candidate, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo.
In his brief welcome address, Coordinator of New Benin Market Christian Traders Fellowship, Mr. Ero Amienghomwan, introduced Ighodalo to the cheering crowd and also prayed that by December 1, 2024, Ighodalo would be at Osadebey Avenue, seat of Edo State Government.
Addressing the traders, President of Edo State Market Women/Traders, Mrs Blacky Ogiemen, rallied support for Ighodalo. She thanked the women for coming out to receive the PDP candidate and charged the women to come out enmass on September 21 to vote PDP with the umbrella as its symbol.
She told the New Benin Market women that Asue is their son because he was born in the New Benin area and they should be proud of him.
She further stated that the New Benin Market women and women in the state have resolved to vote for PDP and defend their votes. She charged them not to fear that there will be nothing like intimidation.
In her address, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded her husband and his entourage and assured the traders that she knows who her husband is.
Speaking about his husband, she said that whatever he promises, he fulfils and that if he fails to fulfill it, the only person who can force him to do it is herself.
Mrs Ifeyinwa then distributed aprons and wrappers to the women.
In his address to the market traders, Ighodalo thanked them and promised that he would work assiduously for the growth and development of their businesses and promote prosperity for all.
He promised to ensure that those who called themselves Lions and Tigers will never return to the market to harass or intimidate them again.
Using a light and darkness analogy, Ighodalo urged them to vote for light which the PDP represents and shun darkness.
“There is light and darkness. We are the light. Vote for the PDP. It’s the light. There’s good and there’s bad. PDP represents good. So vote for PDP,” he stated.
