The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September election, Dr Asue Ighodalo, on Tuesday assured Civil Society Organisations in Edo State of his preparedness to run an inclusive government that will cater for the needs of all Edolites. He stated this at an interactive session with representatives of the CSOs at Protea Hotel, Benin City.

The interactive session convened by Hon. Destiny Enabulele, former chairman of Ovia South Local Government Area, had in attendance a total of about 70 civil society members. Edo CSOs spokesperson, Barr Abraham Oviawe, who set the ball rolling with a welcome speech, said that the CSOs were interested in knowing how Ighodalo would tackle the problems of insecurity, poverty, high cost of living, and infrastructure if elected as governor of the state.

Speaking at the interactive session, Human Right Activist, Comrade Sabina Idowu Osehebo, said: “We want to know what you intend to focus on and deal with so that the people can say, yes, he did this.” Also, the President of the Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria, Comrade Lucky Orukpe, wondered why farm produce is costlier in Edo State than in Lagos when in actual fact the produce is taken to Lagos from Edo State. Another Human Rights Activist, Comrade Roy Oribhabor, wondered why there is no constant power supply when power remains one of the most critical drivers of economic prosperity.

In his response to the many questions, Ighodalo took time to address each person’s concern and provided insight into what he has in mind for the state. He said, “my resolve is to run an all-inclusive government that will enable citizens of Edo State to enjoy the dividends of good governance.”

Ighodalo, however, frowned at the silence of the Civil Society Organisations. He challenged the CSOs to speak up whenever there seems to be a deviation from what is normal and acceptable to rational minds. “You have to be even more focused because we have to hold leadership accountable.”

Ighodalo then highlighted his policy directions and programmes which he said would be implemented for the benefit of the people across board. He said emphasis would be on security, infrastructure and industrialisation. Ighodalo promised to ensure a conducive market environment for the state’s women to do their businesses.

“l will be accessible by having constant bi-annual meetings between government and relevant stakeholders. We will create a government that will be auto-pilot. Building sustainable businesses by developing private sector participation in the economy of the state. We will provide strategic solutions to stopping extortion of traders through an inclusive tax regime system. There will be intensive investigation in addressing extortion and exploitative systems aimed at creating a suitable environment to meaningfully engage Edo youths and employable demographics. We will leverage on loans and grants from the diaspora to create capital availability for entrepreneurial usage.”

One of the participants who introduced himself simply as Comrade John, said Edo State will certainly experience a major leap forward if Ighodalo eventually emerges as the state governor.

“I have listened to him. Dr Asue Ighodalo is loaded. He is so clear headed and articulate. Very coherent in his plans and visions for the state. I bet Edo will take a major leap forward if he eventually emerges as the governor of the state,” he submitted.

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