By Mercy Akuba

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that the ongoing massive infrastructural development across the state is being funded through proceeds accruing from the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The governor, who spoke at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the forthcoming local government elections, said the polls present an opportunity for Edo people to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for policies that have translated into development projects in the state.

He also warned those allegedly sponsoring kidnappings and insecurity to discredit the Federal Government to desist and allow the President focus on delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

The APC campaign rally, held in Benin City on Tuesday, saw party leaders canvassing support for the party’s candidates across the 18 local government areas of the state, citing Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides as justification for another electoral victory.

Speaking at the event, APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described Edo as a “construction site,” pointing to ongoing road projects, the construction of flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa Road, and the redevelopment of Oba Market as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.

“We are taking the message of the governor’s achievements to the grassroots. Edo is shining today because APC is in government,” he said.

Tenebe commended APC leaders in Edo South Senatorial District and praised Governor Okpebholo and other party leaders for respecting traditional institutions and maintaining cordial relationships with royal fathers across the state.

He urged chairmanship candidates to emulate the governor’s leadership style and work closely with traditional rulers to promote peace and development in their communities.

The APC chairman also unveiled the party’s chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates for the seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District and called on party supporters to vote massively for all APC candidates.

Former Deputy Governor, Chief Pius Odubu, said the governor’s performance was evident across the state, citing the ongoing flyover projects, road construction, urban renewal initiatives, and the employment of over 5,000 teachers.

“For the first time in Edo State, we are witnessing the construction of major flyovers. The governor is working and deserves our support,” Odubu said.

Another APC chieftain, Charles Idahosa, also urged voters to reward the governor’s performance by voting for APC candidates in the local government elections.

The event also featured the presentation of candidates who emerged from the party’s recent primaries as well as the reception of defectors from other political parties into the APC.

Addressing party faithful, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa called on women, youths and other eligible voters to come out en masse and vote for APC candidates.

He said the local government election would serve as a test of the party’s strength ahead of future elections, stressing that the visible projects across the state were evidence that the APC government was delivering on its promises.

“The projects are there for everyone to see. We must continue to support the APC and sustain the development agenda of both the state and federal governments,” he said.

The campaign flag-off attracted party leaders, supporters, women groups, youths and stakeholders from across Edo South Senatorial District.