Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the September 21 governorship election, has vowed to focus on security, education, healthcare, and the economy if elected.
During an interactive session with the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Edo on Tuesday, Okpebholo criticized the current security situation in the state and promised to declare a state of emergency on security upon taking office.
Currently serving as the Senator representing Edo Central, Okpebholo also pledged to revitalize the state’s education system.
Read Also: Shaibu Gets Fresh Appointment
“There is nothing in the much-talked-about EdoBEST education reform in the state, a better reform is nothing once APC takes over,’’ he said.
The APC flag bearer noted that during his visits to various schools, he found many of them lacking essential infrastructure.
“Many schools need classrooms and teachers. Regrettably, there is a ratio of two teachers to more than 200 students in some of our schools.
“These are critical areas we will look into when I emerge. We will set the ball rolling with strong education reform,” he said.
Read Also: I Will Ensure No State Pays Wages That Are Higher Than That Of Edo – Obaseki
He also outlined his plan to overhaul the health sector, which he claimed has been in a state of decline over the past eight years.
Mr. Okpebholo emphasized the need to build on the achievements of previous administrations, asserting that governance is a continuous process.
He expressed concern over the state’s escalating debt, which has surged from N43 billion to over N500 billion.
“As an IT expert, I will deploy my experience to bring in international investors to the state and not the Memoranda of Understanding which the current government is synonymous with.”
Mr. Okpebholo suggested that under his leadership, the state might establish its own airline, following the example of some other states in the country.
“We are going to see a new Edo. Benin was the capital city during the defunct Midwestern state and also capital for the old Bendel.
“Unfortunately, there is no single flyover bridge in Benin. Go to Calabar, go to Port Harcourt, you will appreciate that we still need a lot of modern infrastructure,” he said.
He promised to create a conducive environment that would generate jobs and opportunities, fostering accelerated development.
