Edo State: Shettima champions Okpebholo’s vision for functional future

In a fervent appeal to the people of Edo State, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged voters to rally behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming governorship election.

Speaking during the grand finale of the APC gubernatorial campaign at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Shettima emphasized the need for strategic leadership to transform Edo into a functional state.

“Whether you are a civil servant or a trader, whether you are Esan or Afemai, whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, whether you are young or old, male or female, our expectations are the same,” Shettima stated. “We all seek the same thing – a functional Edo State, a state that can provide opportunities for all of you to thrive. What unites us most is not our differences but our collective desire for a nation that works, a state that meets our needs.”

Highlighting recent improvements in revenue allocation to state governments, Shettima called on the populace to vote massively for the APC to harness the benefits of economic reforms.

“I assure you that this is the best time to be a Governor in Nigeria. The economic reforms of the past year, though tough, have laid the groundwork for better opportunities ahead. With increased allocations to the states, your incoming government has more resources to bankroll programmes and projects that benefit you,” he assured the crowd.

Shettima further championed Senator Okpebholo’s qualifications for leadership, stating,

“What Edo State needs is a strategic thinker, a builder, a man of the people, a man who can rally the great people of Edo State. Edo State needs a man who will open his doors to the people, hear their cries and lead with the fear of God.”

The VP invoked the wisdom of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, remarking, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things.”

He expressed confidence in Okpebholo and his running mate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, to deliver effective governance.

In a broader context, Shettima addressed the pressing issue of flood disasters affecting several states, assuring Edo residents that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to providing relief and support.

“Let me assure you that our government is working around the clock to bring relief to the affected communities,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of unity during these challenging times.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, urged Edo voters to support the APC to reap greater dividends of democracy. He highlighted significant investments, including N212 billion allocated for the reconstruction of the Auchi-Benin road, which will enhance economic activities in the region.

“The presence of many Governors and other dignitaries here shows our unity of purpose towards helping Edo State to take a new direction,” Akpabio asserted.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, lamented the hardships faced by Edo residents over the past eight years and declared Okpebholo as the right leader to steer the state towards development.

“In the last eight years, Edo State has suffered and the state is now downgraded in terms of infrastructure, security, and general development. Benin should have the outlook of a modern city but today, it is looking for a person who will uplift the state. Monday is the person to do so,” he proclaimed.

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole criticized the outgoing administration’s performance, noting the lack of development and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Governance is about development; our roads and other infrastructure are dilapidated. Education has suffered a lot,” he lamented.

In response to the urgent need for change, Senator Okpebholo promised transformative initiatives if elected. “We will give loans to our farmers through cooperatives; we will also give soft loans to market women. We will employ over 5,000 teachers within my first 100 days in office. We will build health centers across the 192 wards in Edo and we will declare a state of emergency on education,” he vowed.

The campaign rally attracted significant attendance, including various governors and party stalwarts, reinforcing the APC’s commitment to reshaping the future of Edo State. With the election just days away, the call for unity and support for Okpebholo resonates strongly among party leaders and supporters alike.