Yuletide: Oshiomhole calls for vigilance

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State
has enjoined the people of the state to
remain vigilant and security conscious as
Nigerians celebrate Christmas.
In his message to the people, the governor
said while many Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) states were unable to pay
salaries in arrears of three to four
months, the Edo State Government has
met its salary obligation up to date.
According to him, next year presents
Nigerians with unique opportunity to vote
out bad leadership that had been a clog
in the wheel of progress.
He said: “Despite the economic hardship
and lean resources accruing to the state
from the federation account, the good
news is that the state government has
paid all workers in the state civil service,
including the teachers their salaries for
December, 2014 to enable them enjoy the
yuletide with their loved ones.
“This is in contrast to what obtains in
many states of the federation, especially
the PDP–controlled states, where workers
are being owed salaries in arrears of
three, four months and even in some
cases up to eight months.
“As we approach the general elections
holding in February, next year, less than
two months away, Nigerians have
another opportunity to elect credible
leaders who will rise above the present
empty rhetoric of the PDP government to
confront the challenges facing the nation.
“Even as they admonish the masses to
tighten their belts, the few rich ones
display nauseating ostentatious affluence
in the midst of grinding poverty staring
Nigerians in the face.
“As progressives, we must remain
optimistic in the Nigerian project as we
have another opportunity, next year, to
punish bad leaders with our votes and
ensure that the desired change is
achieved for the benefit of all.
“Nigerians must rise above ethnicity,
religious preference and clannish
inclinations, which they seek to exploit to
divide the masses. We must never forget
that poverty and bad governance are not
defined by religion or ethnicity but by
inefficient leadership. This is why the time
for change is now, more than ever before.
“While wishing the people of Edo State a
Merry Christmas and a bountiful New
Year, we urge them to continue to support
the state government in its drive and
determination to move the state to the
next level.”