The All Progressives Congress Integrity Group has described as derogatory the ‘witches and wizards’ comment credited to Senator Adams Oshiomhole about the people of Esan, Edo State.
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Oshiomhole had described the Esan people as witches and wizards while discussing the forthcoming Edo State governorship election on a television programme, last week.Â
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The remarks were targeted at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who Oshiomhole claimed hardly sleeps in his community because of spiritual forces.Â
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But the spokesperson of the group, Emmanuel Odigie, in a statement, yesterday, faulted Oshiomole’s remarks, stating that it confirmed his hatred for the Esan people.Â
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Odigie demanded an apology from the former Governor of Edo State, warning that such a statement was detrimental to the political fortune of the party.Â
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“It is, therefore, necessary for all well-meaning sons and daughters to rise up and condemn Senator Oshiomole’s statements. The APC Integrity Group strongly believes that such utterances should not be taken lightly, and we call on Senator Adams Oshiomole to apologize to the Esan people worldwide,” the group said.
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“It is sad that Senator Oshiomole has reduced himself to Monday Okpebholo’s spokesperson. He is not the candidate, and neither is he DG of the campaign nor the party chairman.Â
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“There are no shortcuts to the Edo State government house. Oshiomhole’s attempt to use the judiciary to disqualify the most credible candidate will not work.The good people of Edo State have resolved to vote for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie of the PDP.
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“We, as a group, will continue to advocate against hate speech and incendiary remarks that could cause disunity and disharmony amongst the people.”
