Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that someone who believes in the state and has the capacity to manage it will emerge as candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) and win the votes of the people as the governor in the 2016 gubernatorial election in the state.

The Governor disclosed this while addressing Benin Palace chiefs, led by Chief John Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin, who paid him a courtesy visit in the Government House. He said he is concerned about who will emerge as the party’s flagbearer just like any other member of the party, assuring that there will be a level-playing field for all.

Receiving the chiefs, Governor Oshiomhole said: “From my inner insight of what this job entails, I believe we should look for people who believe in the state and have the capacity to run it. We have the right to educate the people about the person whom we think will be safe. Be rest assured that I am as concerned as yourselves because we have seen the damage which the wrong driver can do to our collective vehicle. Everything is the same, the only difference is the person who heads the government. May God give us a governor that will put Edo people first, that will respect the traditional institution and that will work for the unity of our people across the 192 wards.

“As I have said repeatedly, I think all of us must work together to ensure that we have a governor who, first and foremost, believes in Benin, and who believes in the state, because if someone does not believe in the state, and he has power, he will help himself. Running a government is different from running a private enterprise. When you are working for a government, the interest is the people of the state. The second is to have the capacity to manage finances prudently because you may wish to do your best, but you cannot give what you don’t have. If you don’t have the brain, if you don’t have the knowledge and you don’t have the capacity, you will not be able to do it. So, we need people who can apply resources creatively.

“We haven’t solved all the problems, but we have made a lot of progress, and I am sure if the next governor will continue from where we will stop, for eight years of uninterrupted progress, I am sure that Benin Kingdom will be wearing a complete new look.”

He expressed appreciation to the senior Palace chiefs for their visit, saying: “I want to thank you for your kind words, and I also want to use this opportunity to repeat what I have said several times over. I have been extremely fortunate not only to have been accepted by His Royal Majesty, the great Oba of Benin, but also to enjoy the wise counsel, advice, prayers and all. We have had such a wonderful warm relationship between the government and the palace.

“I was at Abudu a few days ago, just to see what we are doing, and the people were so happy. We have a similar work at Igbanke; and here and there within the kingdom, we are ensuring that we spread development.

“Across Nigeria today, I believe that Edo State might be one of the two or three states that are able to pay salaries of December to workers before Christmas. The labour leadership came see me yesterday to thank me for ensuring the civil servants in Edo State got their salaries. So in a country where most states cannot pay, and we are not as rich as any of our neighbours, our people have got their salaries, but our neighbours can’t, so, it shows that it is that capacity to manage.”

Speaking earlier, the head of Iwebo from Benin Palace, Chief John Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his developmental strides in the state. He said: “What you have done in our state is something we are very proud about. You have virtually touched every place. We pray that God will continue to guide and protect you. Everyone of us as human being will aspire to the highest level of developing Nigeria. We thank you for the audience.”

Among the Benin Palace chiefs on the visit are Chief John Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, Esere of Benin, Chief E.U. Uzamere, the Ine of Benin and Chief Morgan Obamwonyi, the Eguezigbon of Benin.

•Text courtesy of Saturday Vanguard. Photo shows Governor Oshiomhole.

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