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Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Wisdom of Solomon


Benin monarch refuses to endorse PDP candidate
THE NATION- By  

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State were yesterday disappointed after the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, refused to endorse their candidate, Maj-Gen Charles Airhiavbere.

PDP state Chairman Dan Orbih led party faithful to the palace to seek royal blessings. A palace chief, Amos Osunbor, who prayed on behalf of the monarch, did not pray for the PDP candidate but prayed that God should give the state a governor who will turn Benin to a modern city and provide infrastructure.

The PDP leaders felt that the prayer should have been for their candidate. Orbih told the Benin monarch that the PDP dug deep to pick someone who he said "can provide services for the people." He said: "We find him dependable. He has respect for our elders, traditions and a burning passion to serve. We are concerned about the high taxation and demolition of houses. This is not the dream of our state."

But the Benin monarch interrupted him, saying: "I will not allow you to use my palace as a soap box."

Airhiavbere said the state needs rapid development and change. He requested for royal blessings. Oba Erediauwa said: "I started watching you on television. I will continue watching you on television."

But Orbih said the party did not visit the monarch for an endorsement."We visited him for a royal blessing."

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