The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his intention to rectify what he perceives as the shortcomings of the current Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration through a comprehensive five-point agenda if elected.
Okpebholo highlighted the various reasons why he is determined to prevent Governor Obaseki from having a successor from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming election, citing the overall failure of the PDP administration in the state.
During a press briefing at the State Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City, the Media Director of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, criticized Obaseki for not delivering on his promises to the people of Edo State. He accused the incumbent governor of neglecting important projects initiated by his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Afegbua pointed out that the pledged 200,000 jobs and the proposed 18 stadia across the 18 local government areas of the state, as well as the Gelegele Seaport and Edo North Airport, were left unfulfilled by Obaseki’s administration.
He further stated that Senator Okpebholo, the APC candidate, intends to address these failures through a detailed five-point agenda focusing on Agriculture, Health, Education, Human Capital Development, Environmental Protection, and Safety. Additionally, Afegbua emphasized the need to revamp the security architecture in the state to combat the prevailing insecurity.
“It is evident that Edo State has been poorly governed in the past eight years, which is a fact that cannot be disputed. The aftermath of this mismanagement is glaring and disheartening,” Afegbua remarked.
He expressed optimism that the APC, under Senator Okpebholo’s leadership, would bring about positive changes and progress in the state. Afegbua praised Okpebholo’s humility and ability to engage with people from all walks of life, highlighting his profound understanding of the state’s challenges and his capacity to provide effective solutions.
Afegbua criticized the state government’s recent announcement of a new minimum wage of N70,000, arguing that the state could afford to pay more considering the relatively low number of civil servants. He also criticized the EdoBEST program, referring to it as “Edo Worst.”
In conclusion, Afegbua warned the public about what he perceived as Governor Obaseki’s contentious nature, citing conflicts with the Oba of Benin and his former Deputy Governor as examples. He urged the people to be cautious and save the state from further disappointments caused by unfulfilled promises and failed projects.
