Hon. Chris Osa Nehikhare is the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State. He is a highly committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a political leader. In this Interview with OJIEVA EHIOSUN, the one-time PDP scribe spoke extensively on the forthcoming Edo 2024 governorship election, the acceptability of the party’s candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, the achievements of Obaseki as Governor among other issues. Excerpts:
Will you say that the foundation already laid by the outgoing Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki will give the PDP edge over the APC and the Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship election?
It is clear that we have a good story to tell. When His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, came on board in 2016, nobody gave him a chance, but today, Edo State ranks best in terms of stewardship, human capacity building and infrastructural development. That Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of our great party the PDP, is making waves in Edo State is as a result of the good work of Governor Obaseki, and his own intimidating personal profile, his track records, his global acceptability and his manifestos for Edo people.
A lot of things have diminished the thought of the rebirthing of a comatose All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. The quality of the candidate they presented for the governorship election has definitely exposed them as lacking in depth.
In the last seven and half years of Governor Obaseki has undertaken bold reforms, carried out programmes that have restored the hope of the Edo people, laid a solid foundation for economic stability and growth in the state.
What will you say about the political differences and internal crisis within the different political parties in Edo State?
There is no organisation in the world where no one is aggrieved one way or the other when it comes to issues and protecting the interest of a set of people. Even as developed as the United States of America is in democracy, there are issues between the Democrats and the Republicans. As far as I’m concerned the Edo PDP is one united family, we have no crises of any kind, we are moving, we are working and we will continue to work hard to deliver our candidate Dr. Barrister Asue Ighodalo on September 21 in the gubernatorial election in Edo.
But talking about political differences, we expect the Edo APC to acknowledge the significant and tremendous progress that the state has made under the stewardship of Governor Obaseki. With just few months left, go round Edo State and see the kind of projects that are ongoing. Obaseki has provided an enabling environment for Edo and its people to thrive; sustainability is key.
But the APC doesn’t seem to agree that this government has done anything significant in the state, what is your take on this?
Edo people are not blind, they see things themselves, they know that this government has done excellently well in many sectors of the economy. The APC is known for lies and propaganda, but Nigerians can no longer be fooled. The electorate have knowledge of the state of things in the country, so you do not need a prophet to tell us that their candidate has nothing to offer the people of Edo, hence they have resorted to lies and blackmail. They have refused to acknowledge progress even when it is there for everyone to see. This government has brought accountability, transparency and financial discipline to Edo State.
Most people in Edo State believe that the reforms in the state didn’t go round the 192 wards, what is your reaction to this?
Those who are saying that are far from reality. For instance, the government introduced reforms in the healthcare system, and ensured that our people have access to quality and affordable health services. The neighbourhood clinics have been renovated, equipped and staffed in all the 192 wards across the state and they offer free antenatal and delivery for pregnant women. The recent recruitment by the primary health agency led to the employment of over 300 health personnel to further enhance the capacity of our neighborhood clinics. The government is building a new hospital called Stella Obasanjo Hospital. By expanding the number of beds there from 200 to 500, the project will be more effective and efficient. The modern amenities in the hospital include surgery suites and diagnostic technologies as well as units dedicated to oncology, dialysis and critical care. It has the potential to become a centre for medical tourism. Edo State is set to regain its pride in the global health care space. To complement these reforms in the health sector, the School of Health Technology has also been rebuilt and revamped.
Edo State is rated as the best in civil service across the 36 States in Nigeria in terms of digital services, and other states are coming to there to learn.
Governor Obaseki is not the noise making type, his works are there to speak for him.
What makes the PDP governorship candidate different from the others?
The PDP is a unique party, and it’s one of the largest political parties in Africa with men and women that have been tested and trusted in their individual and public lives. Our governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is a man known for his credibility, hardwork and transparency. He is outstanding, competent, capable, and full of God’s wisdom with a high sense of judgement. He is also tested and trusted in all facets of human development.
Edo people have fallen in love with Ighodalo because they know that he is capable. Governor Obaseki has laid a solid foundation for him to take off and his candidacy is a divine project from God.
What do you think Ighodalo will bring to the table to help fix the country’s economy?
Edo people have always been blessed with leaders with high integrity. Edo people have distinguished themselves in various areas of discipline. We are happy to have a man like Ighodalo as PDP’s governorship candidate. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows that Ighodalo has the capacity to superintend over Edo State. He also knows that he needs people like him in Nigerian Governors’ Forum. President Tinubu wants results, he doesn’t want to be called a failure, so he wants great minds like Ighodalo to help him fix the economy. So if by the grace of God Ighodalo becomes the Governor of Edo State by September 21, 2024, Tinubu will be happy too because he knows his capability and his level of competence.
What’s your message for Edo voters on the governorship election?
Edo people should come out in their millions, vote the PDP and vote Ighodalo as governor of Edo State. We are very confident that the PDP will have an overwhelming victory at the polls. The reason being that we have a candidate with proven integrity and wide knowledge of global economy. His candidacy is in fact a big blessing to Edo people, and we must key into this project that will take Edo State to its pinnacle of glory.