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Published on 2024-02-16 07:59:06
A tragic incident has struck the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant contending for the first position in Edo state. Honourable Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma has been thrown into mourning following the untimely and tragic death of his son, Osazuwa Michael, in the United States of America.
The former lawmaker and APC aspirant, who was in deep pain, has expressed his deepest grief over the loss of his 23-year-old son, who was fatally shot in the back of the head in Houston, Texas, USA in January 2024. In the light of this heart-wrenching tragedy, Honourable Agbonayinma decided to withdraw from the Edo state governorship race. The devastating loss of his son has understandably affected him deeply and has compelled him to step back from the political arena at this time.
Agbonayinma, who was the first person to officially inform the APC leadership that he would be contesting the election when he visited the state secretariat in October 2023, expressed his gratitude towards the party leaders and other stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout his journey thus far. He particularly thanked them for the moral, financial, and spiritual support they extended to him. However, he requested that his supporters and members of the party in Ikpoba-Okha local government to stay united and support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the upcoming primary election.
In his heartfelt statement, Agbonayinma said, “Presently, my family and I are highly devastated. And I am not in the right frame of mind to continue any serious political campaign at this time.” He called for unity and support within the party, emphasizing the need to set aside differences and work together towards a common goal.
The tragic loss of Agbonayinma’s son has undoubtedly sent shockwaves across the political landscape in Edo state. Many have mourned with him and expressed deep sympathy for his loss. The devastating reality of losing a child has understandably been a heavy burden to bear, and his decision to withdraw from the governorship race is a testament to the profound impact of such a tragedy.
In closely related matters, there have been reports of an internal political rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state and his deputy, Philip Shaibu. This political discord stemmed from the disagreement over the choice of Obaseki’s successor ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Edo state. It has been reported that Obaseki had an anointed candidate, a claim he has vehemently denied on several occasions, while allegedly neglecting to support his deputy in the bid to succeed him.
The incident that brought this internal political tension to light was when Governor Obaseki shunned a handshake from his deputy, Philip Shaibu, at the second-term inauguration of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state. This incident has since sparked discussions and debates, drawing the attention of many Nigerians across the country.
Truly, this is a time of heightened political sensitivity, heightened emotions, and profound human tragedy. The loss of Osazuwa Michael, coupled with the internal political strife within the state, has brought about a time of reflection and reevaluation of priorities. This tragic event has underscored the importance of unity, empathy, and understanding within the political landscape of Edo state and indeed, the entire country.
The heartbreaking loss experienced by Honourable Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma is a stark reminder that beyond politics, there are profound human stories, emotions, and losses that affect people at their very core. In this time of mourning and reflection, may there be a shared acknowledgment of the importance of compassion, kindness, and cooperation within the context of political engagements. As the people of Edo state navigate through these challenging times, may they find solace, healing, and renewed unity in the face of adversity.
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