By Okolo Jonathan Okhavhe
As part of efforts to change the infrastructural narratives in Edo State, the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has flagged off the construction of the dilapidated Auchi-Sasaro-Igarra-Aiyetoro-Uneme-Nekua-Ibillo-Ekor-Ikiran-Oke Federal Government Road in Edo North Senatorial District.
Speaking to Journalists at Auchi, the Headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, the Governor said it has become imperative to carry out full construction work on the critical infrastructure and to settle the logjam occasioned by crime waves on the road, asserting that the move would address the spate of kidnapping and banditry on the failed portions of the road.
In his words, “I’m here today in Edo North on a working visit to flag off this road that has become a den of armed robbers and kidnappers. I want to assure you that my administration is people-centric. I see placards of various inscriptions decrying the level of criminal activities on this road; Kidnappers must leave our bushes because I’m ready to smoke them out even though I have to relocate to Edo North.”
Sen. Okpebholo promised to run an all-inclusive administration in fulfillment of his campaign promises by executing people-oriented projects. He lauded the relationship between Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Edo people, saying, “The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is passionate about the development of Edo State and the Country at large. He has prioritized security, health, education and many more in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Governor disclosed that plans were underway to fix all erosion prone areas in the locality in strict adherence to procurement processes, pointing out that it is not rocket science but due diligence, citing and appreciating the visionary leadership of former Edo State Governor and Sen. representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole
“My administration will eradicate all erosion devastation challenges in Edo North as well as kidnapping. I want to appreciate the leadership of our great party, the All progressives Congress (APC), Traditional rulers, market men and women, youths, to mention but a few, for your unwavering commitment to our course. We are better together,” he said.
The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku appreciated the Governor for his stance on infrastructural renewal in the State, pledging that the House is prepared to work in continuous synergy with the Executive Arm of Government for more developments.
Meanwhile, the Governor defiled the rain and inspected the road up to Akoko-Edo for an on-the-spot-assessment, where the former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly and currently the chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, appreciated the Governor for keeping to his promise and explained to him the ordeals of Akoko-Edo people and others, who ply the Federal Road from Abuja and the South-West.
The Edo State Chairman of the APC, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe also lauded Mr. Governor on his giant strides across the State, describing him as a quintessential gentleman.
Responding on behalf of Akoko-Edo, a former member of Edo State house of assembly, former representative of Edo North at the Local Government Service Commission, and former Federal Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oloruntoba Simeon, commended the Governor for taking a bold step towards carrying out the remediation work on the road, while pledging the local government area unalloyed loyalty to his administration.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engineer John Obanor, noted that the road traverses many communities in the LGA, maintaining that it will put an end to the disturbing menace of kidnapping when completed.
