VP Shettima: Nigeria will overcome its current obstacles

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will overcome its present challenges.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this in Benin on Saturday, at the grand finale of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin, Edo State.

He told the gathering that the current administration is working round the clock to provide more relief for victims of flood disaster across the country.

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“Let me assure you that your government is working around the clock to bring relief to the affected communities. We are mobilizing resources, coordinating relief efforts and putting in place measures to mitigate the impact of future floods.

“This is not the time for politics but a time for unity and compassion. As we rebuild, we do so with the strength of our shared humanity and the firm belief that together, we can overcome any adversity,” he said.

Edo Election

With specific regards to next Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, VP Shettima urged the people of the State to vote for the APC candidate, in order to birth ‘a functional Edo in the forthcoming election.

He continued: “Whether you are a civil servant or a trader, whether you are Esan or Afemai, whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, whether you are young or old, male or female, our expectations are the same.

“We all seek the same thing; a functional Edo State, a State that can provide opportunities for all of you to thrive. What unites us most is not our differences but our collective desire for a nation that works, a State that meets our needs.”

Improved Allocation

The Vice President, who highlighted the recent improvement in revenue allocation to all tiers of government, called on the people of Edo to vote massively for the APC, to benefit from the wind of positive change.

“I assure you this is the best time to be a Governor in Nigeria. The economic reforms of the past year, though tough, have laid the groundwork for better opportunities ahead.

“With increased allocations to the States, your incoming government has more resources to bankroll programmes and projects that benefit you,” the Vice President assured Edo people.

VP Shettima emphasized that the candidate of the APC in the September 21 Edo polls, Senator Monday Okpebholo is most qualified to assume the leadership of the State.

He said; “What Edo State needs is a strategic thinker, a builder, a man of the people, a man who can rally the great people of Edo State. Edo State needs a man who will open his doors to the people, hear their cries and lead with the fear of God. Edo does not need a man who knows it all. Edo needs a man who feels the pulse of his people, knows where it hurts, and has a story to tell in terms of where he is coming from.”

“Edo needs a compassionate leader, one who is in tune with the yearnings and aspirations of Edo people. Edo needs a leader with the tenacity and knack for radical change and influence. Let me sum it up by quoting Ronald Reagan, the 4oth President of the United States, who said ‘The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things’

‘’Therefore, in Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, we have two gentlemen who will walk the talk. They will complement each other. The humility that has brought them thus far will also manifest in their governing of Edo State. With these two grassroots politicians and distinguished public servants, Edo will witness a positive redefining and reshaping of governance,” the Vice President said.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged the people of Edo to vote for the party at the helm of affairs at the center; the APC, in the forthcoming election, in order to reap more dividends of democracy.

He disclosed that already, N212 billion has been appropriated for the reconstruction of the Auchi-Benin road, which he said when completed, would boost economic activities in Edo State.

“The presence of many Governors and other dignitaries here shows our unity of purpose towards helping Edo State to take a new direction. We have Governors from the North, East, South and West here present. Joining the party in the center will be good for the development of Edo State. I have confidence in the candidate and his running mate. They are a young team that will help secure the future of Edo State,” he said.

Neglect

National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said the people of Edo State have suffered in the last eight years and they need to be liberated.

He therefore, Monday Okpebholo is the right person to lead the State to the Promised Land.

He said: “In the last eight years, Edo State has suffered and the State is now downgraded in terms of infrastructure, security, and general development. Benin should have the outlook of a modern city but today it is looking for a person who will uplift the State. Monday is the person to do so.”

The Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Edo 2024, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, told the people of Edo State that it is time to change direction and build on the legacies of former Governor Oshiomhole so as to improve the lives of the people of the State.

Poor Performance

On his part, a former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, praised the humility, loyalty and sense of judgement of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Oshiomhole decried the poor performance of the outgoing Governor of Edo State, saying the State did not witness development in the last eight years.

He said; “Governance is about development; our roads and other infrastructure are dilapidated. Education has suffered a lot because the State does not have a State Universal Basic Education Board yet, the Governor has been benefiting from the Universal Basic Education Commission’s funds.”

“Our future has been compromised by Obaseki. People of my age and the younger ones have not forgotten what is called ‘plan well’, a savings scheme championed by the Asue, which defrauded the people.”

“We are bringing a message of hope for the people. With Senator Monday, Edo will rise again. Our health, education and other sectors will be revamped. Respect for culture and tradition will be restored and there will be prudent management of our resources,” he stated.

The APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo appealed for support to change the tide of Edo state.

“We will give loans to our farmers through cooperatives, we will also give soft loans to market women, We will employ over 5000 teachers within my first 100 days in office. We will build health centers across the 192 wards in Edo and we will declare a state of emergency on education,” he promised.