I extend my warmest congratulations to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the governor of our great state. Despite the recent challenges, ill feelings and the spirited debate that accompanied the election campaign season, we should set aside differences to acknowledge this important moment of democratic transition.
As a proud son of Edo, I am deeply invested in seeing our state flourish. I share in the opinion that Governance is about the people and there should be continuity, therefore our people and land should always come first. Without delays, Esan people having being forgotten for long expect to see massive infrastructural development and industrialization of Esanland. In that spirit, I wholeheartedly pledge my support to Governor Okpebholo in any effort that will contribute to Edo’s development, uplift our communities, lay aside our grievances , pick the positives from the outgone government and build on the solid foundation laid by Governor Godwin Obaseki. Edo’s legacy of innovation, educational advancement, and economic progress must continue, and as a servant-leader I am ready to assist in any initiative that serves the people’s best interests.
One of such mistakes by the outgone government is the actions around the SIT/Governing council of AAU Ekpoma and the maltreatment of staff members by the previous government.The present governor have just dissolved the council and reinstated the new staff members whilst working to pay their outstanding emoluments. This is quite commendable .
I must also point that as a matter of importance, the Okpebholo led government should do all within its power to end the spate of cultism and killings ravaging Edo State.Whilst I urge our youths to stop the killings in the spirit of one humanity, embrace peace and rather work towards sustainable development. It is important to state that the government must take decisive actions as cultists only respect force, not words. Without a strong decisive approach, the violence will persist and likely resume after a short break .
As quickly as possible, the government might need to bring back community policing to truly support the efforts of our state security agents. Empower the security agencies with greater authority to act decisively, while ensuring proper oversight to prevent abuse. Also the most radical and violent cult members must be identified and brought to book. Most importantly, the government must work to create jobs for our teeming youths . Just like we identified during the campaigns and shared our plans to create jobs for our over 2.5Million Edo Gen Ys and Gen Zs, it is important the governor swings into action to create longterm solutions for the state by way of job creating to curb this menace.
Lastly, whilst I applaud the Governor’s swift action to tackle the ever surging traffic problems along the Ramat Park axis with the new flyover bridge.It is concerning that Governor Okpebholo`s sudden approval of the emergency overhead bridge which was flagged off which suggest must have bypassed all standards of procurement procedures raises eyebrows as except it is a project previously designed and approved by the outgone government, it is almost impossible to have hurriedly complied with the State’s Public Procurement Act, amongst other details to approve such project in a week. Edo people demands transparency on this subject.
Together, as leaders and citizens, let’s ensure Edo State continues to shine as an example of unity, progress, and resilience.
Once again, congratulations, and may Edo move ever forward!
– Edo 2024 AAC Guber Candidate Oberaifo Udoh
