BENIN: Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that President Bola Tinubu inherited an economy “on life support” and has, in just 26 months, dragged it back from the edge of collapse.
Addressing a sea of supporters in Esan Central Local Government Area during the APC rally for the August 16 Edo Central Senatorial by-election, Okpebholo said Tinubu’s “fearless reforms” and “no-nonsense approach” have rescued Nigeria from years of economic decay under past administrations.
“President Tinubu met a wrecked economy – a total mess – and in barely two years, he is fixing it. That is the mark of true leadership,” Okpebholo declared to thunderous applause as his campaign convoy moved through Uwessan and Ewu wards.
He cited the President’s swift approval of ₦130 billion for the Ekpoma–Auchi–Okpella Road during his brief stint in the Senate as proof of Tinubu’s commitment to Edo’s development.
“We had a PDP senator for eight years who couldn’t make this happen. In nine months, I got it done with President Tinubu’s backing. That’s the difference between talk and action,” he fired.
Okpebholo said his alignment with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was deliberate, noting that the President personally urged him to begin fixing Edo’s roads with the promise of federal reimbursement.
“After the rains, expect bulldozers everywhere. We are not waiting; we are delivering,” the Governor vowed, his voice rising over chants of “APC! APC!” from the crowd.
The rally drew heavyweight APC figures, including Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, Edo Central leader Gen. Cecil Isekhaigbe (rtd), APC Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, commissioners, advisers, and party loyalists who turned the event into a show of political force.
