A frontline and visible governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Gideon Ikhine has unveiled his plans and vision for Edo state and it’s people, if elected governor of the state.
Addressing a cross-section of journalists in Benin city, Edo State, shortly after collecting the forms for the PDP primary election, Engr. Ikhine said “Edo state has no business being dependent of the Federal allocation for it’s survival.
“By the year 2020, any government, all over the world, with particular reference to Edo state, that could not think outside the box does not worth the vote and confidence of the people.
“Haven toured all the nukes and crannies of the state, I have come to realize that fund and resources abound in Edo state awaiting to be tapped but that the various past and present Governments have displayed the lack of knowledge on how to turn things around for the people.
“Government activities should be taking like a private business with an intention to make profit and provide services to the people. Agriculture, tourism, infrastructural development will be the base upon which his administration will drive the state’s economy.
“The leaders, delegates and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to invest in his aspirations so that we can jointly rebuild our state in the interest of our children.”
He said he was fully prepared for governance and appealed to Edo people particularly the PDP leaders to support him to actualize his mission and vision for state and it’s people.
Speaking on the zoning of the governship position, the prominent governorship aspirant said the challenge was open to all interested members of the party, irrespective of their Senatorial district.
He described the support from the people towards his ambition of becoming the Edo State Governor as overwhelming.
On the collection of his nomination forms, he said “I’m happy that God has raised men and women, including my family who are happy and appreciative of what I’m doing and decided to support me for the purchase of my nomination form”.
He said with the passion God has put in him, he would realise his vision for every Edo people.
On what qualified him for the governor seat in Edo State, he said he is mentally and physically fit and that above all he has the vision to govern the state, adding that many are contesting not because they have the vision but due to ambition.
He said vision require the collective will of the people to actualize God’s mandate.
On whether PDP was formidable enough in the state, Engr. Ikhine said Edo State is predominately a PDP state, noting that “if you listen to the All Progressives Congress (APC) members’ confession of recent, you will discover that they have been ruling on stolen mandate.
He said God willing the ruling party, this time around the APC would not be able to steal PDP’s mandate. saying “Every PDP member in all the wards have been educated on how to secure their votes. The votes of the people will count in this coming election for the first time”.
On the arrangements being put together by PDP for the primaries, he said that is where PDP comes first, adding that the party have been very consistence with the indirect primaries with clear guide lines. He also said it is an open election where you cannot rig as all votes will count.
“The modalities for the primaries will come at the appropriate time when the party leaders will call all the aspirants to let us know what their plans is. Here every one will now expressed his views. I believe our party will respect justice and make sure everyone gets justice. That is what foster our unity and gives us progress into taking over the state”.
About Author
