* Okpebholo's Electoral Mandate Ordained By God, Says Akpabio
By Cosmas Enahoro (Edo State Correspondent, in Benin)
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said he will replicate Senator Godswill Akpabio’s transformation magic that transitioned Akwa Ibom to one of the finest States in Nigeria, in Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo gave the remarks on Saturday night, during a reception held in his honour in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Acknowledging Akpabio’s uncommon developmental strides in Akwa Ibom as Governor between 2007 and 2015, which has repositioned the State and placed it as one of the most vibrant and beautiful States in the country, Okpebholo said he will ensure that the same template is used to transform and reposition Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo said: “The man I love to call, ‘the uncommon man’ did so much when he was Governor, and today, Akwa Ibom history cannot be complete without Akpabio’s transformation magic story. Before he came, Akwa Ibom was one of the States written off. But within eight years as Governor, he achieved so much that today, Uyo is regarded as one of the finest cities in the country.
“So when I became Governor, I decided to come, see, and reproduce same development for my people. With the things I have seen and heard on this visit, I am more confident and convinced that what we plan to achieve with this mandate given us by the people of Edo is doable. Akpabio did it in Akwa Ibom, and we will do it in Edo.”
Eulogizing the leadership style of the Senate President, Governor Okpebholo said he has not only achieved so much in terms of legislation within a short period of time, but has also succeeded in leading a well-coordinated legislative arm that compliments and serves to appropriately check and balance the Executive for the good of Nigerians.
He said: “What Akpabio has done in terms of legislation in this country, no other Senate President has made that mark. Within one year in office, Akpabio has done what those who were Senate Presidents for eight years could not do.
“When things get tough in the Senate, he has a way of calming everyone down and taking charge of the situation.
“I want to thank him because, the first day I came to Akwa Ibom, I asked him, ‘why did you bring me to this place?’ He said, ‘I brought you here to come and see so that, when you become the Governor of Edo, you will replicate what I have done in this State’.
“Today, I am here to say thank you, His Excellency, the Senate president. I have listened to your advice and I want to assure you that we will do in Edo, what we have seen in Akwa Ibom.”
Senator Akpabio in his speech, appreciated the Governor for his humble disposition and people-oriented approach to governance, stressing that his humility to seek and learn from those who have successfully walked the path he currently walks is an indication that he will succeed in governance.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has described the mandate of Governor Monday Okpebholo as "divinely ordained by God to bring respite and development to Edo State."
Senator Akpabio made the remarks same Saturday when he received Governor Okpebholo at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Ascribing Okpebholo’s electoral victory to God, Akpabio said God had chosen him at this time to rewrite the history of Edo State and place it on the path of development.
The Senate President said: “Your excellency, every leadership comes from God, and God chooses whom He pleases. It pleases Him at this time to choose you and the APC to lead Edo people at a time like this.
“You are a man of few words but full of action. Edo people have not misplaced their votes in choosing you. You have the heart of the common man, and I am confident that your leadership will bring development and transformation to your State."
Akpabio lauded the bold steps taken so far by the administration of Governor Okpebholo, stressing that his one month in office has "so far renewed the hope of Edo people and given them a clear insight into the determination and preparedness of the present administration to bring development and progress to the State."
While thanking Edo people for choosing the APC in the September 2024 Governorship election, Akpabio said aligning the State with the Government at the centre portends many positives for the Heartbeat State and the South South region, stressing that the zone is now stronger as a negotiating voice at the federal level.
“Edo State is one of the States in the South South, before Niger delta, and this is predominantly a minority area in Nigeria. There is always a need to link up with the federal government to be able to contribute our quota to nation building.
“Through the providence of God, most of the resources that have kept the country going for decades come from this area but in terms of representation at the national level, we are always found wanting except for the period that circumstances brought us Dr Goodluck Jonathan.”
Continuing, Akpabio said: “Under the APC administration, many of us decided there was need for us to change the political basket to enable us represent our people at the national level and also have a say in what was going on in the country. So, when I made that strong movement to the APC, it was to move our people in the South South region to the centre."
Predicting more electoral victories for the APC in the South South region, Akpabio said with the current political permutations, going by all available indices, the ruling All Progressive Congress is poised to bring more States into its fold, a narrative which he predicts would change the developmental trajectory of the region for good.
On his part, Governor Okpebholo said he was in Akwa Ibom to share ideas with Akpabio and tap from his wealth of experience.
Governor Okpebholo said: “Seeing the development in Akwa Ibom, I have come to learn from my leader, seek his advice, and draw from his wealth of experience. He has graciously advised me. NNL.
