By DADA AYOKHAI
The second leg of the televised debate organized by a Benin-based privately owned broadcast outfit, ITV, was held yesterday.
The debate featured the six gubernatorial candidates, all of whom performed impressively in responding to the questions posed by the moderators.
Notably, four running mates had participated in the first leg of the debate.
However, three of the guber candidates vying for the September 21 Edo governorship election chose to boycott the debate.
They are mainly the three frontrunners in the race namely, Bar Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Bar Olumide Akpata of the LP and Sen Monday Okpevbolo of the APC
The ITV debate provided a platform for the six guber candidates to address a wide range of questions about their vision and plans for Edo State especially about the effective utilisation of the state’s vast potential.
The participating candidates included Pastor Azena Azemhe of the NNPP, Mrs Key Patience Ndidi of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Isaiah Osifo of the All Grand Progressive Alliance (APGA), Izedonmwen Derek of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Udoh Oberaifo of the Action Alliance Congress (AAC), and Okungbowa Paul of the Young Peoples Party (YPP).
The six guber candidates confidently addressed a wide range of questions concerning the critical issues inhibiting growth and development in Edo State.
They displayed remarkable expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges at hand, earning the admiration and respect of the audience.
In addressing the issue of insecurity, the candidates acknowledged the lack of proper security in Edo State and vowed to invest significantly in security measures to ward off external threats.
They also pledged to instil a sense of safety and security among the people in their homes, schools, farms, workshops, markets, and other areas.
Furthermore, they emphasized that the state’s insecurity is rooted in the breakdown of the social fabric and urged security agencies to collaborate in addressing this menace, while also stressing the need for unified efforts, involving both the government and the populace, to combat insecurity effectively.
Regarding education, the candidates expressed deep concerns about the declining standards in the sector and asserted that revitalizing education is a top priority.
They emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare and training of teachers and providing modern, well-equipped classrooms. They underscored the need to offer quality education that enables our children to compete globally, and they advocated for free education for all Edo children, as well as the provision of bursaries for university students.
The candidates also decried the mismanagement of internally generated revenue by past administrations and vowed to enact reforms in revenue collection and utilization.
They outlined plans to open up the local economy to foster confidence among local and foreign investors, thereby expanding the state’s capacity and productivity.
Additionally, they pledged to revive government-owned industries such as the Bendel Brewery and others to boost revenue and create employment opportunities for the youth.
Tourism was also highlighted as a crucial focus for the candidates, as they recognized Edo State as a potential tourism hub that could generate substantial revenue if properly leveraged.
Furthermore, the candidates emphasized agriculture as a key priority, noting the state’s potential in food production and processing.
They vowed to address food scarcity and work towards making the state self-sufficient in food production.
Lastly, they exuded confidence in their ability to win the upcoming election, despite not having the financial resources of their competitors or the anticipated federal support.
They affirmed that power truly belongs to the people and expressed confidence in emerging victorious in the election.
