A Benin-based socio-political group has called for support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebhole, saying what Edo State needs post September 21 is action and not words.
Speaking to newsmen, yesterday, in Benin city, Kensington Uwadia, convener of the Society for Benin Moats and Artefacts, said the lawmaker representing Edo Central Okpebholo, is a man not given to many words.
“Okpebholo believes action speaks louder than voice. 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 enviable position was Samuel Ogbemudia. He did not speak grammar in government house but performed creditably well.
“This narrative that Okpebholo is not speaking big English should be put to shreds. A man who single-handedly raised a multi-billionaire company in Nigeria does not need any other testament to prove his worth.”
Uwadia revealed that as a governor, the development of the Benin Moat and other traditional heritage will top the agenda of Okpebholo.
“I am aware 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 to do that but the ability to manage men and resources. In 2016, when Godwin Obaseki became governor, 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 Peoples Democratic Party 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 by President Bola Tinubu in Aso Rock, Abuja. Okpebholo, who received the flag alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, promised to tackle security problems and infrastructure development if voted into office.
President Tinubu, on his part, promised to support them during the election.