Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hailed the mandate of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, as a divine calling aimed at bringing relief and progress to the state.
In a statement issued today by Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Akpabio made the comments yesterday while receiving Governor Okpebholo at his residence in Uyo.
Praising Okpebholo’s electoral triumph, Akpabio attributed his victory to divine intervention, declaring that God had appointed him to reshape the history of Edo State and steer it toward a future of growth and development..
He 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 commended the bold actions taken by Governor Okpebholo’s administration, emphasising that his first month in office has “revived the hope of the Edo people.”
He added that the governor has provided a clear vision of the current administration’s commitment and readiness to usher in development and progress to the state.
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Appreciating Edo people for voting APC in the September 2024 governorship election, Akpabio highlighted that aligning the state with the federal government brings numerous benefits to both Edo and the South-South region.
He underscored that the region is now more powerful in its negotiations 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.”
Akpabio stated that, under the APC administration, many politicians recognized the need to shift the political landscape, allowing them to represent Nigerians at the national level and actively participate in the country’s decision-making process.
“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 additional electoral victories for the APC in the South-South region, Akpabio stated that, based on current political dynamics and all available indicators, the ruling APC is set to expand its influence, potentially bringing more states into its fold.
He believed this shift will reshape the region’s development trajectory.
Governor Okpebholo, on the other hand, explained that his visit to Akwa Ibom was aimed at exchanging ideas with Akpabio and benefiting from his vast experience.
He acknowledged that the impressive development in Akwa Ibom had inspired him to seek Akpabio’s guidance, learn from his expertise, and gain valuable insights.
