Senator Monday Okpebholo, who is running for the governor’s position in Edo State for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has some advice for his opponent from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo. He thinks Asue should step down from the race because of his past performance as the Economic Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki.
According to DAILY POST, Okpebholo, currently serving as a senator for Edo Central, believes that Asue Ighodalo’s economic decisions have put the state into a lot of debt. He shared these thoughts on Tuesday during a meeting with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Benin City.
He said, “The problem with the current government is that the person who has already failed Edo state is now promoting his economic adviser.”
Okpebholo mentioned, “If I were Barrister Asue Ighodalo, I wouldn’t even try to run for governor after advising a government that has not done well.”
He added, “In my place, Esanland, we value good morals. We don’t accept anything that is bad or spoiled.”
Okpebholo expressed concern about the state’s debt. He claimed that currently, Edo State owes more than N573 billion, a big leap from the N43 billion it owed previously.
He accused the Obaseki government of excessive stealing and cautioned the people against letting this continue through Asue Ighodalo. “The debt is now over N573 billion. During Adams Oshiomhole’s time, the monthly funds coming from the Federation Account were between N3.1 billion and N3.3 billion. Today, this amount is now between N11.1 billion, yet there is nothing to show for it.”
Okpebholo said that when Oshiomhole received between N3.1 billion and N3.3 billion, there were noticeable improvements in the state. However, with the current higher amount, there has been no development.
Claiming that he is the best candidate for the governorship position because of his experience as a federal lawmaker, Okpebholo promised to bring positive changes if elected. He urged the farmers to vote for him, assuring that his administration would prioritize their empowerment to tackle food insecurity.
He also accused Governor Obaseki of misusing state funds and said that Obaseki might not stay in office to hand over to the next government because of this.
Okpebholo encouraged voters to use their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to teach PDP and its candidate a lesson. “On September 21, 2024, just a month away, we will vote them out. They will face the consequences for the money they have stolen.”
He further stated, “They won’t stay to hand over power. They will run away because they have used your money to establish a bank and build a 10-storey building for Afrinvest in Lagos.”