Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
A governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo has said he is offering himself for service to improve the infrastructural development of Edo State and its people.
He also said the reason for poor leadership confronting the nation at all levels is because leadership is chosen based on tribe, religion and other extraneous factors and not based on competence.
Ighodalo spoke at the secretariat of Media Correspondents in Benin, where he outlined his programme for governance if elected.
He urged political parties participating in next year to ensure only the best and competent aspirants are nominated during their primaries next February.
The former chairman of Nigeria Breweries PLC. said he was the best man to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki having worked in the background for several years with former governor Adam Oshiomhole when he was governor of the state from 2008 to 2016 and also doing the same for Governor Obaseki as chairman of the Board of Alaghodaro Summit.
Describing himself as a bonafide Edo citizen from Ewohimi in Edo Central, Ighodalo said he was nobody’s candidate but one to bring his experience as chairman of various companies to bear if elected governor.
He said he was offering himself for service because of his desire to make Edo strong economically, noting that there were several parts of the economy that can be used to provide for the people and take them out of poverty, even as he stressed that Edo State, as the heart beat of the nation, should have good infrastructures like good roads, pipe borne water, good hospitals, good schools and many others.
He told newsmen it was a tough decision to leave the private sector for politics, but said he was prepared for the rigours of the job which demands integrity. “I am here to serve the state and I can say I am the best man for the job. I hear people saying I am someone’s candidate but I can tell you I am nobody’s candidate. All I will do is to bring my experience to bear having been chairman of several top companies.”
“It was tough decision resigning from those positions. I’m coming from a comfort zone and you put all of that down to say you want to do things for your people. I have the ability to do things for many more people having done for fewer people in the corporate world.
“All of the experience and connection I have had all over the years would be brought to bear. I am committed and convinced I can do it. It looks uncertain but even it will be certain in God’s name.
“I pledge to give youths the opportunity to serve in my government because the youths have talents to build the state. Be assured I am fully committed to the upliftment of our state and I will give my life to ensure that,” Ighodalo said.
He promised to unite the Peoples Democratic People in the state while calling on stakeholders to bury their hatchet and work for the success of the party in the state.