Kassim Afegbua, former Commissioner of Information in Edo State, has officially declares candidacy for the upcoming 2023 Edo governorship race. This decision comes after his earlier hint last month during an interview on Arise News, where he emphasized his capability and commitment to the betterment of the state.
Yesterday, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, Afegbua reiterated his intention to vie for the governorship, citing concerns about the state’s deteriorating infrastructure and leadership challenges as the driving force behind his decision.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the internal conflicts within the ruling party in Edo, Afegbua emphasized the need for a departure from politics tainted by deception and authoritarianism. He believes that the people of Edo deserve transparent and effective governance.
Afegbua, running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), outlined his priorities for the state. One thing he hammered on was addressing the prevalent infrastructural decay, with a specific focus on improving the state’s road network.
Education is next on Afegbua’s agenda, as he vows to continue and revitalize the red-roof revolution, a policy he credits with covering infrastructural decay in the past.
Read his full statement below;
“We cannot afford to be in opposition when we have a federal government that is poised to renew our hope and take us to a place of prosperity, economic strength, stability, and pride.
“I am determined to make a big difference with positive impacts. With your support, I will redefine the essence of governance for the benefit of our people.
“The era of lamentation will be gone when I take the lead. Edo must rise again; she must rise from the ashes of this present misgovernance to a state that will occupy its rightful place in the assembly of states in Nigeria. Edo State deserves more than just a passing interest.
“Edo is seriously begging for attention with the level of infrastructural decay and leadership deficiency. I can’t stand the kind of roads I saw while travelling through the state.
“Immediately I am sworn in, I will start working on our roads. Mobility is key in any human existence. How do we encourage our rural farmers to take their farm produce to the urban centres when our roads are in bad shape? So, road infrastructure will be my number one priority,” Afegbua noted.
He added: “Education will follow. I will continue the red-roof revolution of the government before this present administration. This is because that particular policy helped in covering infrastructural decay and rots, but unfortunately, this government has since abandoned that particular sector.”
“Very passionate about resetting the political architecture and dynamics of the state through purposeful leadership that will birth a new lease of life for us all as a people.”
“I am encouraged by the knowledge of the natural resourcefulness and ingenuity that lie in our people, and their can-do spirit, now unfortunately in despondency.”