11th December, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
An aspirant for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Barr. Asue Ighodalo, has said that he is the best man to take over from Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Ighodalo, who recently resigned as Chairman of Nigeria Breweries PLC, stated this on Monday during a visit to the secretariat of the Correspondents’ Chapel in Benin.
He said having worked in the background for several years with former governor Adam Oshiomhole from 2008 to 2016 and is also doing the same for Governor Obaseki, he has the requisite experience for the job.
Ighodalo, who described himself as a bona fide Edo citizen from Ewohimi, stated that he is ready to bring his experience as captain of several industries to bear if he gets elected as governor of the state next year.
He however denied being anybody’s candidate.
He said, “I am here to serve the state and I can say I am the best man for the job. I hear people saying I am someone’s candidate, but I can tell you that I am nobody’s candidate. All I will do is to bring my experience to bear, having been chairman of several top companies.
“It was tough decision resigning from those positions. I’m coming from a comfort zone, and you put all of that down to say you want to do things for your people. I have the ability to do things for many more people having done for fewer people in the corporate world.
“All of the experience and connection I have had all over the years would be brought to bear. I am committed and convinced that I can do it. It looks uncertain, but even it will be certain in God’s name.
“I pledge to give youths the opportunity to serve in my government because the youths have talents to build the state. Be assured that I am fully committed to the upliftment of our staie and I will give my life to ensure that.”
The governorship hopeful said he was offering himself to serve because of his desire to grow the economy of the state, noting that there were several parts of the economy that can be used to provide for the people and take them out of poverty.
According to him, Edo as the heartbeat of the nation should have good roads, pipe-borne water, good hospitals, good schools and many others.
While admitting that he took a tough decision to leave the private sector for politics, Ighodalo said he was prepared for the rigours of the job which demands integrity.
He noted that he would build on the success of past government in the state while ensuring that other policies would be fine-tuned to meet current needs.
He therefore urged all PDP stakeholders to bury their hatchet and work for the success of the party in the forthcoming election.