South-South must unite for Tinubu’s re-election – Okpebholo

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on the people of the South-South geopolitical zone to close ranks and mobilise votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting that the South should complete eight years in the presidency under the country’s power rotation arrangement.

Okpebholo, who made the appeal yesterday while receiving the leadership of the Union of Tippers, Suppliers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTSQEN) at Government House, Benin City, said the President deserved another term to consolidate his economic reforms and infrastructure development programmes.

He urged political leaders and voters across the region to set aside their differences and speak with one voice, maintaining that the principle of power rotation between the North and South should be respected.

“Tinubu is the man to vote for in 2027. The North has done its eight years, and it is the turn of the South to do its eight years. There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. “We in the South-South should mobilise and ensure unity votes for the President. I want us to speak with a loud voice and in unity. Let us reason together and bring out unity votes for President Tinubu,” the governor declared.

Okpebholo also defended the Federal Government’s removal of petrol subsidy, describing the policy as a difficult but necessary decision that had increased financial resources available to state governments for infrastructure and other development projects.

“Subsidy was a cancerous worm eating deeper into the nation, and its removal has brought relief,” he said.

The governor maintained that increased revenue accruing to the states following the subsidy removal had enabled his administration to undertake road construction and rehabilitation projects, which he said were improving transportation and economic activities across Edo State.

He specifically cited the reconstruction of Sapele Road using concrete pavement, describing the technology as more expensive than conventional road construction but capable of delivering greater durability.

“It is an expensive venture, but it is very durable. If the previous administration had taken the steps we are taking now to fix deplorable roads in the state, I don’t think we would be crying over bad roads today,” he said.

Okpebholo accused the previous administration of failing to adequately address the deterioration of roads across the state, insisting that his government was committed to providing lasting infrastructure rather than temporary solutions.

He attributed the progress recorded by his administration to increased resources and the support of the Tinubu administration, urging residents to assess the government’s performance against projects being undertaken across the state.

The governor maintained that continuity at the federal level would enable the President to consolidate the reforms already introduced and pursue additional development programmes.

Earlier, National Chairman of UTSQEN, Wilson Ogbachi, commended Okpebholo for what he described as improvements in security and infrastructure since assuming office.

Ogbachi said the union’s visit was principally to invite the governor as special guest of honour to its national delegates’ conference, which would be hosted by Edo State for the first time.

He explained that the conference was held every four years and would bring together members and stakeholders in the quarrying and haulage industry from across the country.

“We are grateful for your efforts and achievements in the area of security, because security is the bedrock of development, and investors take it very seriously,” he said.

The union leader urged the governor to remain focused on his administration’s development programmes, stressing that improved security and road infrastructure were essential to the operations of transporters, quarry employers and other businesses.

Okpebholo has been involved in political mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election, having previously visited communities across Edo State to canvass support for the President and other All Progressives Congress candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.