One of the leading candidates for the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship ticket, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, at the weekend concluded his extensive tour across the 18 local government areas of the state, pledging to end the insecurity situation in the state.
Umakhihe’s tour, which kicked off in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo South where he served in the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) for 23 years before moving through to Edo Central where he’s married from before capping it in Owan East, his home local government in Edo North.
He received overwhelming support from party leaders and supporters for his ambition to become the next governor of the state.
During this tour, Dr. Umakhihe engaged with various party leaders and supporters, discussing his vision and plans for the development of the state. He also took the opportunity to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people, demonstrating his commitment to inclusive governance. The reception from the local party leaders was massive, with many expressing their enthusiasm and support for his candidacy.
Following the conclusion of the tour, Dr. Umakhihe expressed his gratitude to the party leaders and supporters for their warm reception and unwavering support throughout the visitation.
He affirmed his confidence in securing victory in the forthcoming APC Governorship primary, citing the overwhelming endorsement he has received from across the state.
Apart from his economic blueprint in the ‘Fresh Hope Agenda’ manifestos released at the beginning of his campaign, Dr Umakhihe dwelled extensively on how to turn around the near hopeless security situation of the state, stressing that Edo would become the safest haven for indigenes and other Nigerians to do business.
He promised to tackle the insecurity ravaging the state and ensure that women and youths return to their farms and go about their legitimate businesses without fear of criminals taking them hostage.
“On insecurity troubling us in Edo, I will ensure everybody both young and old return to their farms and houses. And importantly, you can sleep with your two eyes closed without any fear of you being killed by criminals. I promise this and more,” he said.
He said he has been tested and trusted in government when he served as Federal Permanent Secretary and would replicate same if given the mandate to govern the state.
Umakhihe called on the leadership of the party at the various LGAs and delegates to support him ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for later this month, to take the state to higher height, stressing that he has contrib