Vote Okpebholo To Birth A Functional State – Shettima Tells Edo Citizens

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has told the people of Edo State to vote for the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the September 21 governorship election to birth a functional state.

According to Kashim Shettima, Edo State needs a strategic thinker, a builder, and a man of the people who can rally the people of the state.

The Vice President spoke on Saturday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during the grand finale of the gubernatorial campaign of the All APC, held at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin.

“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,” Shettima said.

The Vice President stated that the recent improvement in revenue allocation to all tiers of government required that the people of Edo vote massively for the APC in order to benefit more from the federal government.

“I assure you that 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,” he stated.

Senator Shettima noted that the candidate of the APC in the September 21 Edo governorship polls, Senator Okpebholo, is most qualified to assume the leadership of the state.

“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 40th 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, Hon. 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,” a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Stanley Nkwocha, read.

The Vice President noted that with unity of purpose, Nigeria can overcome its present challenges, lamenting the recent devastating floods in Borno, Niger and other states of the federation.

“Let me assure you that our 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,” Shettima added.