An aspirant Mr. Asuen Ighodalo, purportedly supported by Governor Godwin Obaseki ahead of next year’s governorship election in Edo State, has declined to confirm his aspiration for the governorship position.
Ighodalo is a close business ally of Governor Obaseki and is rumoured, in many circles, to have been penciled down as his likely successor.
Ighodalo is also chairman, Board of Directors of Alaghodaro, a body set up by the governor to incubate ideas on how to develop the state in all facets.
He however declined to declare his stand on his speculated ambition while addressing journalists on the activities of the 7th edition of the annual Alaghodaro Summit which commenced with a women conference in Benin City yesterday.
When asked about his ambitions he said, “It’s only God that can answer that question”.
He however said he was proud of the work and the achievements of the board in the last seven years, saying that Alaghodaro is a fantastic innovation of governance that brings alternative views by way of recommendations.
He added that substantial parts of its policy recommended to the state government have been implemented or are being implemented.
Ighodalo said, “For countries to develop there must be consistency of policy and implementation, pointing out that the only way to maintain the current momentum of development in the state is for the incoming government to ensure continuity of the Alaghodaro programme.“
He assured that Governor Obaseki was committed to fulfilling his campaign promise of rebuilding several burnt markets in the state before the end of his administration.
Giving a rundown of this year’s Alaghodaro programme, Ighodalo stated that it will showcase most of the achievements of the Obaseki’s administration in past seven years, including two panels discussion.
“Some of the tourists will tour the Palace of the Oba of Benin, they will experience how life is in Edo.
They will visit the Observer where the first copy of the paper will role out tomorrow (today)”.
Besides, Ighodalo disclosed that past governors of the state would be recognised and given wards for their contributions to the development of the state, just as he said the programme would feature food fair, dinner, commissioning of Victor Uwaifo Entertainment Hub with one of best studios in the country, as well as music carnival.
