Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has predicted the collapse of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State following the defections of its members into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okpebholo gave the forecast while receiving the member representing Ikpoba Okha State Constituency, Nicholas Asonsere, who dumped the PDP for the APC.
Asonsere’s move to the ruling party gives APC majority control in the Edo State House of Assembly with 15 members, while the opposition has nine members.
The governor thanked all new members who joined the APC from other parties and assured them that the party is a place of opportunities as they will not be discriminated against but given a room to contribute to the development of the State.
“Thank you for the decision to join the APC and all of you that moved to our party. The winning party will not regret it. The party will stand with you as it is a place of unlimited opportunities.
“When I came into the APC, I never had the mind to contest for any position, but look at where I am today. I was pressured by people who love good things to contest as a senator and governor, and I won both elections, and today, look at where the State is.
“Very soon, the opposition PDP will collapse in Edo State because of what the APC represents. My idea for Edo people is development. My focus is on development, and I will not be distracted from making life better for Edo people. I will utilise Edo resources, which is obtained from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Federation Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC).
“The resources meant for Edo people will be used to develop the State and make life comfortable for the people,” he declared.
Governor Okpebholo said that since he became Governor, he has not traveled abroad because he is serious with developing the State and making life better for the people.
The governor noted that former Governor Godwin Obaseki cheated the people, claiming to be doing much in the education sector, while there was actually nothing on ground in schools in the State.
He said: “A big thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and God Almighty for the progress and development in Edo State, as God is using some persons as instruments to save the State.
“On Wednesday, I went to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okah Local Governments and noticed that Obaseki cheated Edo State as governor.
“JSS 1 and JSS 2 have just one classroom combined. We have just six classrooms in a whole school, and these structures are all dilapidated. With this school, I noticed that Obaseki cheated Edo people,” he said.
APC chairman in the state, Jarrett Tenebe, who presented Hon. Nicholas Asonsere to the governor said the member representing Ikpoba-Okah constituency voluntarily decamped without pressure from anyone.
Tenebe said the developmental strides of Governor Okpebholo also wooed him to join the party, as the Governor is working massively for Edo people, including Ikpoba-Okah people.
“Your Excellency, your developmental strides in Edo State have shaken the foundation of the opposition party and the EDHA, leading to many opposition members cross-carpeting to the ruling party APC,” he said.
Asonsere said he was glad to join the APC, following the developmental strides of the Governor.
“I am here this afternoon to be part of the Progressives. I was not approached by anybody but convinced by the developmental strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“The governor is developing Edo State and my Constituency where he is building the first flyover in Benin City. With his good works, I cannot be on the other side but rather join hands with him to develop the State.
“The governor has a vision for the people. He has a good heart to make Edo people happy. I had no choice but to join the Governor to move Edo State forward. Your developmental strides have wooed me to the party,” he explained.
Secretary of the APC, Edo State chapter, Engr. Lawrence Okah thanked the Governor for the numerous developments that Edo people are witnessing today due to his leadership style.
“A lot of our brothers are crossing from the opposition party to join our party. In the house now, we are 15 out of 24 members. We are expecting two more before the end of this month, and we are in a comfortable majority in EDHA. More people are coming as Governor Okpebholo is ready to collaborate with all members to ensure Edo enjoys more developmental strides,” he stated.
