Barrister (Chief) Francis Alimikhena has sought to go to the Senate in the past three rounds of general elections, but failed. Now, the former army officer turned lawyer, a papal knight of St. Gregory (KSG) is seeing hope in the horizon.
BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
What has your electoral experiences been like?
In 2007 I contested under the platform of the Peoplesf Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo North Senatorial District. Four of us were in the race but it was unfortunate that the PDP rigged for an unpopular candidate. Their selection was not based on popularity but upon whom you know. Later in 2011 when the fortunes of PDP were dwindling in the state I was approached to come out and contest.
When the leaders that be in the PDP saw that there was light in the tunnel, they moved against me and rigged me out and that was why the result of the election was a total failure on the part of PDP.
How prepared is APC to claim victory in the state?
It is an understatement to say how prepared is APC to claim victory in the state. APC is all over any where you go in the state now. We have only pockets of PDP members. APC is firmly in control.
What is your message to the political players?
People should shun politics of deceit and bitterness, politics of cash and carry. Party men and women should hold faith with their leaders and the party so as to achieve the full dividends of democracy. The country would come out strong after the 2015 elections; all we need to do is to shun politics of violence and election rigging.
What is your assessment of the administration of the Comrade Governor?
The Comrade Governor has done considerably very well in changing the face of the state from what it was before he came in. He has laid a good foundation for the APC. Itfs a foundation APC will continue to cherish and build upon. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has done very well.
What are your chances in securing the Edo North Senatorial District ticket of the APC?
The whole issue about my chance is based on the fact that when one prepares to go into battle, there is nothing like testing the waters. Contest is contest. The only thing you do is ensuring that you are ready to represent the platform that you choose .My chances are bright.
How familiar are you with the constituencies that make up Edo North Senatorial District?
For the fact that I have been contesting for this same position since 2007 stands me out to know all the constituencies and they too know me well. I am familiar with the people and their support for me is over whelming.
Are you favoured by the zoning arrangement for the position?
Despite the presence of a zoning arrangement in Edo North Senatorial District, individuals are chosen based on performance. We have had experience in the past where we had non-performing senators representing the zone. Yes it is the turn of Etsako now according to the zoning arrangement to present the candidate with that I am favoured.
Are you aware that the incumbent, Senator Obende Domingo is hoping to return?
The truth is that everyone has his or her own ambition not minding if you have done well or not to aspire for a position. The people will decide who their favourite is.
He is not a threat at all. In this type of a contest your pedigree speaks for you. It is not just a cash and carry affair.
Professor Julius Ihonvbere has been endorsed by Owan people what have you to say?
I heard of it. To me it is too early for any endorsement because APC membership registration has not been done yet, no ward or LGAs executives are in place. I heard also that not all the leaders of the two LGAs that were there.
Be that as it may the endorsement has a sectional attribute .As they endorsed him because he is an Owan son, then Etsako endorses me because I am an Etsako son and Akoko Edo endorses Domingo because he is their son. , then where shall we go from there? It is the turn of Etsako to produce a candidate for this election period.
What do you hope to achieve when you get to the Senate?
I want to give my people qualitative representation. I also want to set a record in Edo North senatorial district which would be a platform for others to build on.
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Edo 2015: We will build on Oshiomhole’s foundation - Alimikhena
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