Key actors in the politics of Benin City, the Edo State have defended their growing support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The stakeholders said what Edo State needs in the next dispensation is action and not promises and signing of memoranda of understanding (MoU) that are never implemented.
In news briefing yesterday in Benin City, the convener of the Society for Benin Moats and Artefacts, Kensington Uwadia, said that Senator Okpebholo is a man not given to many words but full of action
.He said, “Okpebholo believes that action speaks louder than words. I have known him for many years, and he has demonstrated that in many high-level boardroom situations.
“Edo state has experimented with professors, doctors, technocrats and others, yet they have all disappointed us. Among those who have taken the state to an enviable position was Samuel Ogbemudia. He didn’t speak grammar in Government House but performed creditably well.
“This narrative that Monday Okpebholo is not speaking big English should be put to shreds. A man who singlehandedly raised a multi-billionaire company in Nigeria does not need any other testament to prove his worth,” Uwadia added.
Uwadia said as governor, the development of the Benin Moat and other traditional heritage will top the agenda of Okpebholo.
“I am aware that tourism is one of his major areas of interest. This is the first time we have a governor who wants to revive and sell Edo heritage to the world. He does not need big grammar but the ability to manage men and resources.”
“In 2016, when Godwin Obaseki became Governor of Edo state, the people were all carried away with the big grammar and the suits and tie. Today, where are we? What has gone better? Nothing.”
“A man who was able to defeat a sitting PDP senator in Esanland and clinch the governorship ticket in APC all by himself surely has something to offer in politics,” Uwadia said.
Early in the week, Okpebholo, popularly called Akpakomisa was presented with the APC flag as the governorship candidate of the party by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock, Abuja.
Okpebholo, who received the flag alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, promised to tackle security problems and infrastructure if voted into office.
Tinubu promised to support them during the forthcoming governorship election.
