Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo said contrary to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) position, the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Edo had shown that the state was viable.
Oshiomhole, who stated this at rallies in Ameddokhian, Egbele, Uzea and Ivue, near Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo on Saturday, noted that the PDP was never interested in the development of the state.
He alleged the PDP made people believe that the state was a pure civil service state, and as such, had no money.
“PDP years of leadership in Edo was a waste. They told us that there is no money in Edo and they failed to build schools, construct roads, build hospitals and they even laid off workers.
“But with our efforts this past seven years, we have shown that Edo is a viable state.
“This is evident in the schools and hospitals we have built, the roads we have constructed, and water we have provided across the state.
“It is for this reason that we are bold to ask for continuity. The continuity I am asking is that the work APC has started must be completed,” he said.
Oshiomhole said his administration’s development strides across the state and Edo Central particularly, surpassed what an indigene of Esan land could not do, even when they held sway as leadership of the PDP at both state and national level.
“Instead of developing this place, they only bring to you, every four years, N2,000 for you to vote for them. They again abandoned you only to resurface four years later for another deceit.
“To me, this is disservice to you. This tells you that they never mean well for you. They only try to buy you to gain power in order for them to enrich themselves,” he said.
At the rally, Mr Godwin Obaseki, APC flagbearer, said what Oshiomhole’s administration had done was to lay foundation to take the state to the next level.
“The process of rebuilding Edo started with Oshiomhole’s government. Our work now is to take the state to the next level, to an enviable height that we all desire it to be.
“Apart from continuing with the roads construction, building of schools and hospitals, provision of water and many others, our focus will be on human capital development.
“We want to be able to ensure that youths that constitute about 60 percent of the state’s population are either engaged productively or learn a trade. Our women will also be empowered,” he added.
On his part, the state chairman of the party, Mr Anselm Ojezua appealed for support from the people of the senatorial district.
Meanwhile, the clan head of Uzea Kingdom, in Esan North East council, Solomon Iluobe, has endorsed the candidacy of the APC, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
The Onojie of Uzea, made the declaration when the APC candidate paid a visit to his palace when Obaseki’s campaign stopped over at Uzea.
According to the monarch, “What we are waiting for is your swearing in; you are already the governor of Edo State.
“I have seen the handwork of the APC and the development they brought to my domain. Though the work is yet to be completed, I know you will do more as the next governor.
“I am assuring you; you don’t have a problem here in Uzea. As you leave, I will call my people to make sure you don’t lose any one vote in Uzea.” (NAN)