…As Ikpea organises homecoming for him
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, announced that a wave of massive defections would soon hit the opposition political parties in the South-South zone ahead of the 2027 presidential election in the country.
The governor disclosed this while speaking at a special reception held for him at Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, following the his victory at the election petition tribunal ruling last week.
He thanked Edo people for their support, prayers, and counting him worthy to lead the State. He assured the people that Edo would progress and develop under his watch.
“The people of Edo State will not regret voting me as their governor. I am happy today that am in a winning party. The party that was rejected by all but has become the party that everybody wants to join. APC has come to stay as the government at the centre is APC.
“Very soon, there will be a lot of defections into the APC. People will move and cross carpet from PDP, LP and other opposition parties into the APC and that will be the beginning of South South keying into the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today, I am happy and proud to say that I am a son to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am also proud to say I carry uncommon grace and uncommon transformation, which I am already using to transform and develop Edo State.
“Words that come out of my mouth are prophetic and I am using these words to develop Edo State. My administration is working to ensure motorable roads and reducing traveling time for our people.
“Our development is also covering other neighboring states because South South must speak with one voice as we approach 2027,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo used the opportunity to appreciate the state’s traditional rulers for their support and prayers, as he appreciated Edo people for finding him worthy to cast their votes for on September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
“It is not easy to run two elections in a year and win the two offices. I give God the glory. I am not the talking type and never interested in politics, but really want to develop Edo State.
“In 2021, we looked for an Esan man that would contest for Senate and we did not find any one who wanted to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as everyone wanted to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The drive to contest came in 2022 when some people came to appeal to me to contest for the Senate and our discussion became an eye opener which led me into contesting for the Senate seat.
“I lost a beloved sister due to bad water which she consumed and I vowed to ensure good water is available across the state.
“I am really going to ensure good water runs in Edo State. Our development will not just be roads, schools, healthcare, providing the people with good drinking water across the state,” the governor revealed.
Later, he visited the palace of the Onojie of Ewatto, HRH Osagie Sylvanus Ikhumen I, who was joined by other traditional rulers from Edo Central to receive the governor. He prayed for the success of his administration.
The governor also inspected the Chief Lee Ikpea’s Medical Center, Idumuiyase, Ewatto, where he was taken round the facilities of the hospital, which is yet to be completed by the donor, Dr. Lemon Ikpea.