Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a firm belief in Nigeria’s future, citing the Federal Government’s economic reforms as a catalyst for development across the country.
Speaking in Ekpoma and Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area, the governor made the remarks during the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside a political rally that witnessed defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Okpebholo, the removal of fuel subsidy long avoided by previous administrations has freed up resources now being deployed for infrastructure and development projects nationwide. He noted that the policy demonstrates the president’s long-term vision for economic stability and growth.
The governor further revealed that he had recently engaged a critic of the subsidy removal policy, taking him on a tour of ongoing projects in Edo State. He said the critic was convinced after seeing how the funds were being utilized, adding that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess developments in the state.
At the event held at Eguare Public Field in Irrua, several opposition figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) formally defected to the APC. Among them were Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, and other party stakeholders.
Reaffirming political support for the president, Okpebholo said Edo State was prepared to deliver 2.7 million votes in Tinubu’s favour in future elections.
Meanwhile, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, the governor fulfilled his earlier promise to victims of the January fire incident by handing over newly reconstructed shops belonging to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), which had been destroyed during the crisis.
He also presented cheques of ₦8 million each to affected shop owners to support the rebuilding of their businesses and livelihoods.
Recalling the incident, Okpebholo said he received news of the fire in the early hours of the morning and immediately travelled from Abuja to assess the damage. He described the destruction as the work of criminal elements seeking to destabilize the community, noting that properties including shops and billboards were targeted.
He added that upon arrival, he visited the palace of the Enogie to obtain firsthand information and expressed shock at the scale of destruction. However, he said the successful reconstruction of the shops marks a turning point for the affected community.
The governor also disclosed that President Tinubu monitored the Ekpoma crisis through social media, highlighting the presidency’s attention to developments across the country.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; lawmakers; and other political stakeholders.
The inauguration and defection exercise were conducted by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aigboboh, alongside National Assembly members and party leaders.
