Gov. Monday Okpebholo
• Asserts “I play grassroots politics, I ‘m a home boy!”
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
Ahead of the 2027 Presidential election in Nigeria, Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has boasted; he would deliver the State for the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Seemingly so sure of his boast, Okpebholo declared: “If the President did not win, I will resign!”
The Governor made the declaration while speaking with Babajide Kolade-Otitoju former anchor of the TVC discussion programme, Journalists Hangout in Benin, the State Capital.
On how he would do it, Okpebholo asserts that he is a grassroots politician, and a home boy who is always at peace with his people having learned so much from his mentor; Chief Tony Anenih of blessed memory. Hence it would be very easy for him to accomplish.
Advertisement
He adds; the impactful performance of his administration for the good of Edo people would be the magic wand for the victory.
President Tinubu now gives much money to Governors which he is not ready to put in his pocket but has vowed to use to work for Edo people, Okpebholo said.
He continued; that his administration is confronted with so many challenges begging for attention, hence he finds little or no time for himself and cannot afford the luxury of globe trotting for frivolities.
“Instead of using the money to travel, I will use the money to work for Edo people.”
Therefore, in prioritising the most important areas of need of the people, his administration has employed and staffed 5,000 teachers who have been trained for effective delivery of quality education to the children in schools. He promised that 3,000 more will be employed soon.
In the one year of his administration, 63 schools have been rebuilt and 43 are undergoing reconstruction.
Also, at least 80 Primary Health Centres have been revamped and built to modern standards, well equipped with the deserving facilities and medical personnel including doctors who reside at the place of work, with quality accommodation provided by the State government.
“We have recruited health personnel including medical doctors for these PHCs in remote area, we pay them well and they reside there.”
It is a big departure from the sad past in the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, the governor who followers and admirers fondly call; ‘akpako rescue,’ said.
Also, apart from the flyover projects his administration has embarked on in the State Capital, he asserts that the building of roads have been extended to other parts of the State to connect communities and ease movement
He promised not to gloss over the challenges confronting Edo people and making life difficult for them. “I will not leave Edo State the way I met it; I will continue to work to make it better so that at the expiration of my tenure in office, I can retire peacefully to my Village and not go into self forced exile.”
Okpebholo reemphasized the resolution of his administration to continue to push ‘practical governance’ that positively impacts lives.
“The money the President gives is not for me to put in my pocket, not for my private use.
“I used to cut broom to sell to enable me buy sandals and school uniforms. I am from a very poor home; I am not the most handsome, the best in Edo.
“So, for the people to have trusted me with their mandate, I cannot afford to fail nor betray them.”
Sponsored Content
