Emmanuella Igwe
Leaders of Esan Youth Coalition, a socio-cultural, non-political and non-profit organisation have joined thousands of Esan political and thought leaders, as well as professional groups in condemning the recent unprovoked attack on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s convoy after a political meeting in Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
In a statement jointly signed by Hon. John Illegbenosa (Esan West, Ekpoma) National Deputy President; Mr. Cyril Odiboh (Esan South East, Ubiaja), National Secretary; Ikhile Alfred, Igueben Local Government Area Coordinator; Inedegbor Oyakhilomhen, Esan North LGA Coordinator; Oriabure Ediale, Esan West LGA Coordinator; Hon. Ose Eromosele, Esan Central, Irrua Coordinator; and Patrice Odiboh, Esan South East Coordinator, the organisation said “the attack has left a sour taste in the mouth of well-meaning Esan youth, leaders and elders.”
A separate statement entitled ‘A Letter of Unreserved Apology’ issued by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Esan Land, described the attack as “disgraceful, a taboo and totally unacceptable.”
Col. David Imuse (Rtd.); Mr. Austin Omofuma; Mr. Sam Eboigbe; Hon. Anslem Ojezua; Hon. McCall Shaka-Momodu; Hon. Thomas Okosun; Hon. Victor Edoror, Dep. Speaker; Mr. Anthony Ikuenobe; Mrs. Betty Okoebor; Hon. John Inegbedion; Mrs. Golden Oribhabor; and Hon. Justin Okonobo, who signed the letter, apologised to the governor for “the unfortunate incident. They stressed that “this disgraceful act is totally unacceptable to us and our people and does not represent our culture, but rather a taboo in Esan Land.
“On behalf of the good people of Esan Land, we hereby tender an unreserved apology to the Governor for this unfortunate incident. We condemn it in its entirety and we urge Your Excellency to take appropriate steps to bring the culprits to book regarding the criminal aspects disclosed therein.”
Esan APC leaders alleged that the attack was motivated by Chief Francis Inegbiniki.
Esan Youth Coalition noted that the behaviour of the perpetrators of the unprovoked attack on the governor’s convoy does not represent the true character of Esan youth.
“The behaviour of these few elements does not in any way represent the true Character of an Esan youth. The average Esan Youth is humble intelligent, resourceful and respectful,” the socio-political group said.
“We also call on Esan sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora to condemn this attack while urging all our people to always take advantage of all legal and legitimate channels to resolve issues from time to time.
“We apologise to the governor over this grievous act and appeal to him to see Esan land and her people as his land and people. We will continually welcome ‘you’ to Esan land and continue to support you as you pilot the affairs of Edo State,” they added.
