Benin City – Today the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said he will replicate Senator Godswill Akpabio’s transformation magic that transitioned Akwa Ibom to one of the finest States in Nigeria, in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo gave the remarks on Saturday night, during a reception held in his honour in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

Acknowledging Akpabio’s uncommon developmental strides in Akwa Ibom as Governor between 2007 and 2015, which has repositioned the State and placed it as one of the most vibrant and beautiful States in the country, Okpebholo said he will ensure that the same template is used to transform and reposition Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo said: “The man I love to call, ‘the uncommon man’ did so much when he was Governor, and today, Akwa Ibom history cannot be complete without Akpabio’s transformation magic story. Before he came, Akwa Ibom was one of the States written off. But within eight years as Governor, he achieved so much that today, Uyo is regarded as one of the finest cities in the country.

“So when I became Governor, I decided to come, see, and reproduce same development for my people. With the things I have seen and heard on this visit, I am more confident and convinced that what we plan to achieve with this mandate given us by the people of Edo is doable. Akpabio did it in Akwa Ibom, and we will do it in Edo.”

Eulogizing the leadership style of the Senate President, Governor Okpebholo said he has not only achieved so much in terms of legislation within a short period of time, but has also succeeded in leading a well-coordinated legislative arm that compliments and serves to appropriately check and balance the Executive for the good of Nigerians.

He said: “What Akpabio has done in terms of legislation in this country, no other Senate President has made that mark. Within one year in office, Akpabio has done what those who were Senate Presidents for eight years could not do.

“When things get tough in the Senate, he has a way of calming everyone down and taking charge of the situation.

“I want to thank him because, the first day I came to Akwa Ibom, I asked him, ‘why did you bring me to this place?’ He said, ‘I brought you here to come and see so that, when you become the Governor of Edo, you will replicate what I have done in this State’.

“Today, I am here to say thank you, His Excellency, the Senate president. I have listened to your advice and I want to assure you that we will do in Edo, what we have seen in Akwa Ibom.”

Senator Akpabio in his speech, appreciated the Governor for his humble disposition and people-oriented approach to governance, stressing that his humility to seek and learn from those who have successfully walked the path he currently walks is an indication that he will succeed in governance.

Signed:
Fred Itua,
Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.
29th December, 2024.