The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, on Saturday in Nuremberg, explained why he is running to be the governor of the state.
It was at the last lap of week long blitz in which he engaged the Edo Diaspora Community in Europe. It started with Reggio Emilia, in Italy, then moved to Manchester in England; London, also in England and to Hamburg and finally to Nuremberg on Germany.
Addressing a packed hall, Ighodalo who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo and other campaign chiefs, swept his audience off their feet when he declared that he is particular about the job in Edo State and proceeded to offer reasons.
“Guys, I truly want to be governor of Edo State. People say I don’t need a job that I am already made, no, guys, I need this job.
“I need the job because we must show the world that Edo State can be the first sub-national sovereign in Nigeria.
“I need the job because we must show the world that with all the resources of great minds
Edo 2024: Ighodalo Explains His Run for Governor
By George Etakibuebu
Nuremberg, June 29, 2024 — Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, detailed his motivations for seeking the governorship during a speech in Nuremberg on Saturday. This address concluded a week-long tour engaging the Edo Diaspora Community in Europe, which included stops in Reggio Emilia, Italy; Manchester and London in England; Hamburg, Germany; and finally, Nuremberg.
Accompanied by his wife, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and other campaign leaders, Dr. Ighodalo captivated the audience with his passionate reasons for running. “People say I don’t need a job because I am already made, but I need this job to show the world that Edo State can be the first sub-national sovereign in Nigeria,” he declared.
Dr. Ighodalo emphasized the need to leverage Edo State’s resources and talents for the betterment of its people, addressing issues such as poverty and infrastructure deficits. He argued that many in the Diaspora have disconnected from the state’s struggles, which include poor roads and inadequate water supply, thus contributing to its stagnation.
He highlighted the significant economic contributions of the Edo Diaspora, noting, “Nigeria receives over $20 billion in remittances annually, with a substantial portion coming from Edo State indigenes. Imagine the impact if you returned home twice a year and spent over €1000 in Edo State.”
Dr. Ighodalo drew parallels to countries like Singapore, which have transitioned from Third World to First World status, challenging his audience to envision Edo State’s potential. He then outlined his “Pathway to Prosperity for All” manifesto, expressing confidence in its feasibility. “I am clear that Nigeria will develop from the states up. If six or seven states progress at the right rate, Nigeria has a chance of developing,” he asserted, stressing the need for local action rather than reliance on federal intervention.
He concluded by urging thorough vetting of gubernatorial candidates, akin to the meticulous checks performed when hiring domestic staff, to ensure capable leadership. Dr. Ighodalo promised to bring pride to Edo State if elected governor, committing to building on the progress made in the past eight years and advancing the state forward.
The event ended with a lively question-and-answer session, rounding off the Diaspora engagement on a high note.