WIKE: OKPEBHOLO HAS LAID FOUNDATION FOR TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has laid a strong foundation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the remark in Benin City while commissioning 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for the 18 local government councils in the state.

The former Rivers State governor described the initiative as a major boost to grassroots economic development, commending Okpebholo’s commitment to rural development and economic empowerment.

“You have demonstrated that you love the economy of the local government. You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas. You have laid the foundation for Mr President to be re-elected,” Wike said.

He contrasted what he described as political theatrics with governance performance, noting that while “others were busy deceiving people,” the President was focused on developing the Federal Capital Territory. He cited recent councillorship election outcomes in the FCT as evidence of public support for the ruling party.

In his address, Governor Okpebholo described the handover of the equipment as a strategic move to strengthen local government administration and deepen development at the grassroots in line with his SHINE Agenda.

“Today marks a significant step in our commitment to grassroots development in Edo State,” he said.

The governor stressed that development must not be centralised but should extend to every community.

“Development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people,” he stated.

He added that the equipment would be deployed to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation and accelerate local infrastructure delivery, emphasising that the machines were “not for show” but for work.

Speaking on behalf of the council chairmen, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a reflection of practical governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

He added that governance at the grassroots had received renewed attention under the current administration in the state.