Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, pledged to apply the developmental strategies employed by Senator Godswill Akpabio during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State to drive transformation in Edo.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo made this commitment during a reception held in his honor on Saturday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Reflecting on Akpabio’s achievements between 2007 and 2015, Okpebholo expressed admiration for the significant development Akwa Ibom experienced under his leadership.
He emphasized his intent to mirror these successes in Edo State, asserting that the blueprint for transformation is replicable.
Okpebholo remarked, “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, he achieved so much that today, Uyo is regarded as one of the finest cities in the country.”
He continued, “So when I became governor, I decided to come, see, and reproduce the same development template 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 from the people of Edo is doable.
Akpabio did it in Akwa Ibom, and we will do it in Edo.”
Okpebholo also lauded Akpabio for his legislative achievements, particularly his leadership in the Senate.
He noted that Akpabio has made a significant impact in a short period, surpassing the accomplishments of previous Senate Presidents.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
He expressed gratitude for Akpabio’s mentorship, recalling a conversation when Akpabio encouraged him to learn from his experiences.
Okpebholo stated, “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.’”
Okpebholo concluded, “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.”
In his response, Akpabio commended Governor Okpebholo for his humility and people-centered approach to governance.
He expressed confidence that the governor’s willingness to seek guidance from those with prior experience in leadership would ensure his success in office.
