By DADA AYOKHAI
One of the topnotch for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe has promised to rehabilitate the deplorable Federal roads in Ekpoma axis within twenty days in office if given the mandate to govern Edo State.
Dr Umakhihe made the promise on Wednesday, while addressing separately the leaders, executives and members of the APC at the administrative headquarters of Esan West LGA , Uhumwode and Esan Central LGAs who received him and his team during his tour of the area to woo them ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for 17.
While addressing the executives and stalwarts of APC, Umakhihe noted that governance is about the people and see no reason why waiting for the federal government to come fix the road when palliative measures can be introduced to reduce the sufferings of those plying the roads.
Apart from the promise to fix the roads in Ekpoma, he also pledged to revolutionize agriculture through mechanized farming in the area, adding that Edo Central in the old was known for the cultivation of rice, noting that rice can be cultivated for 72 days, from planting to harvesting, as well as encourage all year round farming which will solve the food problem in the state.
He noted sadly that the people no longer go to their farms as a result of insecurity and promised to tackle the menace of insecurity in the state through intelligence gathering and work closely with the traditional institution in the various communities to assist in law enforcement. He said technology will also be deployed to achieve expected results so that the people would have confidence to move round without fear and return to their farms to help drive the goal of food sufficiency and the state will become food basket of the nation.
While soliciting for their support and nomination, he urged the people not to make mistakes as Edo state is for us all and cannot afford to remain stagnant with all the natural endowment.
In their various responses, the LGAs Chairmen in Uhunwonde, Hon Osayenwenre Osawe, Esan West, Comrade Goddey Okhilu (AKA Jealousy) and Esan Central, Hon Rolis Ason Akhena commended him for the good work he has been doing and urged him to continue with the meeting of stakeholders across the State.
The tour continues today with visit to Esan North East, Esan South East and Igueben LGAs.
