BENIN CITY – A governorship aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Derek Izedonmwen has said the SDP was the alternative platform for the people of Edo State to achieve the right kind of development which he said has eluded them.
Izedonmwen stated this while speaking to journalists shortly after he declared his intention to members of the party in Ward 4, Oredo local government area where he stated that the SDP belong to the political party that people are with and not the party with moneybags who act as godfathers for their selfish interests.
He said his vision is to make Edo State the best in the country leveraging on its agro-allied capacity.
Izedonmwen said “In our recent republican history, this state has produced great leaders too. We therefore stand on the shoulders of giants like Chief Anthony Enahoro, General Samuel Ogbemudia, and Professr Ambrose Alli; our heroes who each rose to the call of their own generations and delivered remarkably. Their remarkable achievements echo through time -from General Ogbemudia’s industrialization and infrastructural brilliance to Professor Alli’s visionary leadership that blessed us with universal education and Chief Enahoro’s strategic wisdom that steered Nigeria towards independence.
“I am not a multi-billionaire. But to change a broken system, one must often be an untainted, fresh outsider. History has shown that in every generation, a few must rise to represent the many and give voice to the voiceless. That is precisely why I have entered politics.
“Furthermore, the change we seek does not exist within mainstream parties, which have become playgrounds of godfathers, resembling feudal lords of old. As free citizens,we are forging our own path, running a campaign founded on principles of freedom and progress. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is a party that aligns with the values of inclusivity, social justice, and progress.”
He said his vision is to “rapidly industrialize our state, transforming it into Nigeria’s entrepreneurial hub, the factory of our great nation -a place where value is added to our God given resources. An Edo state that is secure and bustling with innovation; a state where businesses flourish, and opportunities abound. This vision is not just a dream; it’s a necessity that is achievable -a promise of a brighter future for all
“Ours is a mission to put an end to the ‘arrested development’ that has held us captive for far too long, we are launching an engagement with the old guard to release the baton to fresh hands who are ready to carve a path to an industrial and prosperous future for every Edo citizen. Today marks the day an improbable journey begins, powered by the audacity of our conviction and the strength of our collective will.”