The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Isaiah Osifo, has said that if elected, he would entrench the rule of law, which he noted had been destroyed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the state.
Osifo, a former Chairman of Uhumwonde Local Government Area and former Chief of Staff to former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, said that besides entrenching the rule of law, he would also immediately fix the issues of autonomy for local government areas, accountability, independence of the judiciary, and parliament, which he noted remain strong pillars in strengthening democratic institutions.
He also refuted the speculation of any underground alliance with the PDP, All Progressive Congress (APC), or Labour Party (LP), noting that he was into the governorship contest to win on account of his sterling credentials and past records in public service.
This was just as he challenged other candidates to submit themselves for public scrutiny.
Dr Osifo, who stated these in a chat with newsmen in Benin on Tuesday, also condemned the immunity for state governors and advocated for the equality of all citizens before the law and constitution, arguing that state governors hide under the immunity clause to commit crimes.
“They are things you can achieve in thirty days without money that will put the state on the foundation for rapid development and progress. You cannot talk of democracy without the rule of law. For example, if those houses demolished by Obaseki’s government are owned by individuals, was judgement given by any court of law?
“A state that has a rule of law will not just pounce on people’s property and demolish them. There is no rule of law in Edo State as far as I am concerned. If I am elected, everybody will know that there is a rule of law in Edo State and every person will be equal before the law.” He assured.
On immunity for governors, Osifo said, “I don’t even believe in this immunity clause they are talking about because you can’t commit a crime and say you are covered by immunity clause.
“What kind of immunity is that? Everybody must be equal before the law and the constitution of Nigeria. A citizen must know that he is equal to the governor and I don’t need money to do that.
He further promised to revive the fortune of the state with massive investment in agriculture, which he said had the capability to provide jobs for millions of unemployed youth and food security.
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