Interview 

Senator Monday Okpebholo: I Prefer To Do Things Rather Than talking

As the 2024 Edo State governorship election approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, passionate about transforming Edo State, in this exclusive interview, he addresses various pressing issues facing Edo State, including his leadership style, plans for the state’s future, etc. Excerpts:

Question:Many people say you have been running away from being interviewed. How do you respond to that?

Answer: I have been all over the State campaigning. I spoke myself. I talked about my manifesto and granted interviews to Pressmen. No, I am not running away from anybody. I am actually a quiet person. I prefer to do things rather than talking too much or making promises that I cannot fulfill.

Question How would you assess your major opponent?

Answer:I hear he is a big lawyer. I am a good businessman. I hear he was born with a silver spoon. I had no spoon. Life was hard, but life taught me that I could build my own spoon. It is my desire to give a spoon to every child by creating a level playing ground. Asue is an elite. I am a grassroots community person. I know the people, and the people know me. They trust me not to betray them.

Question: Infrastructure is in very bad shape across Edo State. What are your plans to change that?

Answer:After 8 years of Governor Obaseki fighting the Oba, the political class, the Federal Government, and even market women, are we surprised that he forgot to build road networks for us? Under my administration, there will be no Federal Roads or State roads—only roads for our citizens. If a road is bigger than my ability as Governor, I will meet with the President to resolve it rather than fight him.

Question: What plans do you have for Agriculture?

Answer: I plan to launch an Aggressive Agricultural Revolution across all three Senatorial Zones to make Edo State the Bread Basket of Nigeria. The plan includes organizing Agricultural Cooperatives in all 1,416 villages and providing each farmer with 10 acres of land. With government support in bulldozing, financial help, and extension services, we will achieve food sufficiency and create over 1.5 million new jobs down the agricultural value chain.

Question: What is your stance about the Artifacts?

Answer: Aiguobasimwin. Dem no dey follow Oba struggle.

Question:** The election is less than 48 hours away.  What is your final message to the people?

Answer:Great people of Edo State, I feel your pain, but the darkness will soon be over. Please come out on Saturday, vote carefully and wisely, and together, we will build a new future in Edo State. God bless Edo State, and may the Oba live long.