By Yemi Akinsuyi
A powerful gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and party leaders from across Edo State and the South South region, converged on Benin City, the State capital at the weekend, where they demonstrated unity and strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
At the interactive session, stakeholders also unequivocally threw their weights behind President Tinubu’s second term bid in 2027.
The event saw a cascade of prominent figures commending President Tinubu’s leadership qualities and threw their collective weights behind his continued efforts to solidify Nigeria’s path of continuous growth and development.
Speakers lauded his developmental strides and expressed confidence in his vision for the nation.
Among the distinguished attendees and speakers were Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, who spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum; Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole (Edo North senatorial district); Hon. Abubakar Momoh (Minister of Regional Development); Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who spoke for Edo South; and General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) who spoke for Edo Central.
Other notable figures present included former Minister governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva; Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to Edo State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor; the APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele Alile; and the Chairman of APC in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe who also delivered a thought provoking speech.
Collectively, the various speakers expressed a resounding vote of confidence in both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
They highlighted key achievements of the current administration, including the student loan initiative and the exemption of low-income Nigerians from tax payments, as evidence of the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his address, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed profound gratitude to his fellow governors, and emphasized the unprecedented unity.
He noted: “This is the first time we are seeing unity among the governors coming together in a single room to discuss the progress of this country.”
Governor Okpebholo showered praises on President Tinubu, and described him as a “capacity working president” who has “made necessary requirements available for us to operate seamlessly.”
He underscored the President’s “critical reforms” aimed at advancing Nigeria, and noted that “things you think are difficult are made easy through his policies.”
Okpebholo particularly commended Tinubu’s courage in making difficult decisions that have ultimately proven beneficial for the nation’s development and growth.
Reaffirming his commitment, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo State by 2027.
Dismissing skepticism from opposition parties, he asserted: “How will it not happen when I am already working, constructing the roads?”
He cited the ongoing construction of roads linking 10 communities in Uhunmwonde, including the community of the immediate-past governor, Godwin Obaseki, which he noted was neglected for eight years.
He added: “If the president is not behind us, such development cannot happen,” asserting that “2027 is settled” in Edo State as a gesture of repayment for the President’s support.
Recalling the challenges faced by President Tinubu during his initial presidential bid, Governor Okpebholo stated: “They seized the economy of the nation. They seized petrol. They seized everything to frustrate him, yet, he won the election.”
He concluded by reiterating his strong support for President Tinubu, and cited the nationwide road constructions and various economic reforms as testaments to the President’s “big heart” and profound love for Nigeria. “Anywhere he goes, we go,” he affirmed.
