By Cynthia Eruotor
No doubt, Edo State has got many Governors. While these Governors have played their various roles as regards the growth and development of the state, without gain saying, this time around if opportunity is given to Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State would witness unprecedented growth and development.
Many who know him based on his personality, would agree that he is a leader per excellence. It is because of these qualities which he is known for, many people have aligned with him and given him the go- ahead to become the Governor and transform the state. No wonder, the group known as Okpebholo Change Movement has come up recently to tell the world that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governorship Candidate under platform of All Progressive Congress Candidate(APC) is not a hurry to roll out his development plans.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of OKpebholo Change Movement, Dr. Francis Aghahowa described the so-called PDP manifesto as mission in futility and rehearse of old tunes. According to the group, Senator Monday Okpebholo has not chosen to run from pillar to post with his work plan for the development of Edo State.
Part of the statement reads:”Edo requires a Governor with sound vision, dedication and focus, one who will bring his ingenuity to bear in the management of the state’s economic potential and the natural endowments. In Edo State today, there is growing fervor for what Senator Monday Okpebholo stands for. More than ever before, the people of the state have come to recognize the fact that the APC candidate is a huge asset to them”.
According to the group, it is evident that supporters of Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party in State have seen that Edo State under the Governorship of Senator Monday Okpebholo will give them speedy growth and development, they have made their minds to support him.
The group said, it is left for the ruling party to prove its worth by transforming the lives of the people not to use foul language on opposition party or run empty manifestos thinking that, that could renew the mandate of the party in the minds of the people.
Part of the statement reads:”In their campaigns, there is no fascination. Our people have made it clear that things must change, the status quo cannot continue, our state is in danger”.The group, described in the statement, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a selfless, caring and compassionate person who thinks of others first before himself adding that, he is poised to rebuild Edo State by putting in place broad-based and inclusive government.
According to the group, he would pay adequate attention to interests that will assist in the overall development of the state and spread social and infrastructural amenities in Edo State. It said that, in the area of appointment, Okpebholo will take the entire geography of the state into consideration and give the people of Edo State the God- intended confidence, economic empowerment and security.
While the group expressed regrets about the way the resources in the state were allegedly being frittered away by the government, it listed education, health, security, food production, sports, roads rehabilitation and construction, tourism, salaries and pension as key areas of the next administration. According to the statement, Monday Okpebholo would make a difference in that, he did not crash into the political scene but has cut the image of a well-focused, incisive and inspiring statesman: knowing the political terrain and will provide good leadership and turn the fortunes of Edo State around positively and will encourage the people to invest and own shares in government-oriented projects and businesses.
Part of the statement reads:”We need to invest more in Okpebholo. We need to give him the chance to ensure effective and gainful farming, steady economic growth, boom in economic activities, the presence of genuine foreign investors and large industrial parks in the state’’
The group therefore urged all to support Senator Monday Okpebholo for Governorship just as they vowed to work with all determination, courage, commitment and due respect for the rule of law to ensure the candidate’s victory by the grace of God.