Edo: Gov Okpebholo invites Arise TV anchors, Rufai, Abati for projects inspection
Edo State Governor Invites Media Anchors to Inspect State Projects
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has extended an invitation to Arise Television anchors Oseni Rufai and Reuben Abati to tour various projects throughout the state. The governor’s invitation follows his response to ongoing criticism of his administration.
The invitation was issued during a ceremony in Benin City on Wednesday, marking the defection of several members from the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Okpebholo mentioned that the visit would allow the anchors to evaluate his administration’s achievements over the past year.
“I will personally write to them. After spending two days here, you will support ‘Asiwaju’,” Okpebholo said, referring to President Bola Tinubu. He expressed his intention to personally accompany the anchors to various project sites, indicating that even a week’s visit would not suffice to cover all accomplishments, although they would see a selection of significant developments.
The governor emphasized that his administration has focused on practical governance. He stated that every naira spent in the state is sourced from federal allocations, adding that he believes the Edo people are witnessing tangible growth.
Furthermore, Okpebholo urged President Tinubu to prioritize project inaugurations in Edo State over campaigning, asserting that the state is stable and aligned with the APC.
With 31 governors currently affiliated with the APC nationwide, Okpebholo expressed confidence in the party’s strengthened position, anticipating further political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. He reiterated Edo State’s loyalty to the APC and described the party’s internal unity as pivotal to ongoing developmental efforts.
In related comments, former Edo State Governor Senator Adams Oshiomhole characterized the recent defections of prominent figures, including Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as indicative of President Tinubu’s successful governance.
Oshiomhole suggested that the departure of such high-profile individuals from the PDP points to the opposition party’s declining relevance. He encouraged remaining members of opposition parties to consider joining the APC before the door to defection closes. He credited the quality leadership of Governor Okpebholo and the state party chairman, Jarret Tenabe, for attracting former political leaders to the APC.
