In a significant development, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jr., a prominent member and mobilizer of the Obidient Movement, has officially thrown his support behind Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming September governorship election in Edo State.
Taking to his official X account, @NwaokobiaJnr, on Sunday, the respected convener of the Country First Movement outlined the factors that influenced his endorsement of Dr. Ighodalo. Nwaokobia Jr., who is known for his active involvement in social causes, revealed that he had received numerous calls and messages inquiring about his preferred candidate for the governorship position in Edo State.
Having carefully considered the leading contenders, including Barr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party and Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC, Nwaokobia Jr. made a compelling case for Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the most deserving candidate. He emphasized that his decision was based on criteria such as competence, capacity, character, justice, equity, and fairness, which transcend partisan affiliations.
Nwaokobia Jr., an accomplished lawyer and columnist, stated, “My choice aligns with individuals like @alexottiofr, who has excelled as Chairman and Board Member of several esteemed companies in Corporate Nigeria. My choice resonates with @PeterObi, who served as an impeccable Chairman of a bank. My choice is the former Chairman of Sterling Bank and one of the most accomplished commercial lawyers in Nigeria.”
Highlighting Dr. Ighodalo’s impeccable character and integrity, Nwaokobia Jr. drew attention to his position on the board of the Christopher Kolade Foundation, urging readers to explore the remarkable character, vision, pedigree, and accomplishments of Christopher Kolade to understand why his endorsement carries weight.
Furthermore, Nwaokobia Jr. stressed that Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy represents the call for equity, inclusiveness, fairness, and justice in the politics of Edo State, as he hails from the Edo Central Senatorial Zone. He emphasized that his choice extends beyond partisan considerations.
The prominent mobilizer emphasized that his endorsement of Dr. Ighodalo is consistent with the philosophy and values of the Obidient Movement. He stated, “The choice I have made aligns with the PHILOSOPHY of the #ObidientMovement and is rooted in the same values that guided our support for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti. It transcends partisanship, becoming the defining standards of patriotism and statesmanship.”
In a resolute manner, Nwaokobia Jr. repeated his decision, underscoring Dr. Ighodalo’s remarkable qualities. He asserted, “A.I is RIGHT. A.I is ABSOLUTELY INDUSTRIOUS. A.I is AMAZINGLY INSPIRING. A.I is ALTRUISTIC AND INDEFATIGABLE. And A.I is the MAN The Cap Fits.”
Nwaokobia Jr. argued that when compared, “Asue Ighodalo is PROFOUNDLY more Competent, Capable, Credible, and Proven in Private and Public Life” than the other candidates. He deemed it hypocritical to base support for Olumide Akpata solely on his competency when Dr. Ighodalo clearly surpasses him in these aspects.
In conclusion, Nwaokobia Jr. invited open discussions on the issues at hand now that his choice has been made known. He expressed optimism about the possibility of a new Edo State and extended his blessings to Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. He confidently declared, “We move, we win.”
Chukwudumebi
Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jr.
