Ahead of the handing over ceremony to the Governor-elect in Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has asked the the incoming governor to focus on governance and not deploying his power on fight with the outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki.
Okpebholo was on a-thank-you visit to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s National Secretariat on Thursday.
While addressing his visitors, Ganduje said a progressive government does not have time for unnecessary fight with a predecessor, hence Okpebholo should focus on the manifesto he painstakingly produced.
Ganduje said: “The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from.
“There is no need. A progressive government does not have time for that. Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced. Follow it to the letter with the socio-economic development of the people, build bridges, and establish good relationships with the stakeholders.
“Think forward and be an action governor. During the campaign, you were an action candidate, and now you are an action governor. We believe it. We believe you will succeed and make the people of our winning state proud.
“The party is ready to assist you in any way. But you must ensure that, from the ward level to the local government level and state level, all party offices are functional and physically habitable.”
The APC National Chairman who described the ruling party as “living party said: “We have recently established a progressive institute, the intellectual wing of the party, which will assist in the training of your personnel, especially at the local government level, and help harness the demands of the Nigerian people to form a political agenda for the government.
“So I assure you, this is an institution a living political institution not only active during elections but throughout the year, creating programs and projects that make it a living party.”
While thanking the party leadership and the President, the incoming governor said throughout the election process, the National Chairman and the party leadership were there with him.
When asked whether he will adhere to the admonition of the National Chairman not to fight the outgoing government of Godwin Obaseki, Okpebholo said: “For me, I don’t know what it is in the handover note yet. I have not seen any reports. By the time I see that, then I will make a decision. I will also consult our party to know the way forward. So, let’s get there first.”
