The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has given reasons why Edo State needs people who can offer good governance.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting organized by the Edo State Chapter of the National Youth Council (NYC), Ighodalo said it is because the country, Nigeria, and by extension the state of Edo are facing many challenges and therefore need people who will face those challenges head-on and proffer lasting solutions for the good of all.

"Do you know why we need to vote for a good government in Edo State? It is because our country is facing so many challenges and our state is affected by those challenges and there is the need for us as the people of Edo State to take those challenges head-on.

"Think about the prices of goods in the country today, rice, beans, yams, talk of petrol and transportation. Look at the exchange rate. So you see that there are challenges and we must find the right people to do the right things. Therefore, we need experienced men and women who have the competence and capacity and the know-how to tackle those problems and get a solution that will better the lives of all of us.

"The September 21 governorship election is, therefore, a thing that is between light and darkness, between good and evil and between going forward into the next century or going back to the 17th century.

"I therefore beg you to go out on September 21 and cast your vote, monitor it and ensure it is counted and follow it up so that bad people won't short change us.

"We don't want Tigers and Lions in this state again, or do you want them? We don't want bad people who will beat up our mothers in the market place or where they are selling their goods. We don't want the troubles of old time. That's why you must vote for Osarodion Ogie and myself that day," he admonished.

Speaking about his plan for security, he said he would deploy technology to secure the state. He said it was a sad moment for him when he heard that a young girl who just finished school was accosted, raped and killed by some bad people, saying "we don't need such things because insecurity drives away investors." He assured that he would deploy technology to secure the state such that investors both foreign and even Edo people in the Diaspora will be willing to come home and invest.

The Town Hall Meeting which was held at the Imaguero Girls College Benin City, witnessed a massive turn out of youths, and advanced youths.

Speaking further during the meeting, Ighodalo, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, explained that the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki has done so much, but a lot still remains to be done. He said to achieve some of the programs he has itemized in his manifesto, "The Pathway to Prosperity for All", the state must raise enough money and he knows how to do that.

"We need money for a lot of things – water, schools, hospitals, roads, electricity and more. But some people are only interested in coming to government to come and eat the money and not do anything for the people. Will you allow them? Don't allow them. Ogie and I want to take Edo to a higher level," he stated.

While expressing his gratitude to the teeming youths who graced the event, he said he has always loved working with youths because of their positive energy. He revealed that in his team, only about 4 people are above 40 years. He assured that he would always work for the good and progress of the youths.

In his welcome address, Comrade Innocent Ajayi,South South President of the National Youth Council (NYC), urged the young people to participate actively in the coming election, saying it is their duty to do everything possible to secure their future including voting for the right people.

Mr Iredia Osagie, aka, MC Porkupyne, was on hand to add colour to the meeting.

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