The Concerned Edo Intellectuals Group has called on the two foremost contenders for the governorship election in Edo State, to square up in a debate.
Paul Mumeh, in a statement for the group, said there was need for both Okpehbolo and Ighodalo to have a joint debate and tell the electorate their plans for the state.
Mumeh said the time had come for the two to square up and explain their manifesto to the electorate.
He said the electorate have questions to ask the two, about what they have up their sleeves, for the state.
The group said a situation where one is hiding behind a finger by allowing others to speak for him is not acceptable.
“Okpehbolo should come out for a debate and tell us about his programmes for the state,” the group said.
The group further submitted that speaking only a particular dialect doesn’t qualify a candidate to excel in governance.
The group further stated that it is ridiculous that some politicians are creating discrimination among Edo citizens by insinuating that Edolite who live and work outside Edo State are inferior to those who live in the state.
“To say that only someone who lives in Edo State can run for governor, is to say that those of us Edo citizens, who are excelling outside Edo State, are inferior to those who live in Edo State. We can not vote into leadership, people who hold and promote such backward views,” Mumeh said.
“Only a fool thinks speaking a dialect qualifies one to run a Edo State. It goes beyond that. Tell us what you have in your manifesto and stop chasing shadows. “
