This publication is the second phase in series of the excerpts from the speech of the comrade governor delivered six years ago at the formal declaration of his candidature for the governorship of Edo state in 2007.
It has become a necessity to publish the speech for the electorate to read and see the reason why they must cast their vote again for the comrade governor. If u follow the speech meticulously, it will be clear and you will notice that the governor is a man of his words as all promises made are over 95% fulfilled. It goes a long way to show that the comrade governor did not join policies to enrich himself but rather to serve his people who have trusted him with their future through their votes. Adams Oshiomhole has not disappointed the people looking at the development in infrastructural facilities in the state in the past three and half years in office. Read on….
Men and women of good conscience can not be indifferent to politics.
Many Nigerians express distaste for Nigerian politics because it is perceived as dirty and unworthy of decent people. Many Nigerians have given up on the possibility that decent and capable people can be elected because of our experience with election rigging. The growing violence and the use of assassination to eliminate political opponents have worsened the stigma associated with Nigerian politics.
I am conscious of all the dysfunctions in Nigerian politics. However, if we continue to lament and abstain, we will forever abandon politics and governance to the same spent forces, whose universe is limited to the primitive accumulation of publics’ resources. These people will continue to bring into politics the same old tactics of ethnic and religious manipulation, foment violence and rig elections, because they have little vision with which to canvass support.
Therefore, if honest people refuse to take up the political challenge, they must be prepared to endure the rule of dishonest people. If people who abhor corruption remain politically in different, they must be ready to live under the rule of corruption people. if decent people leave the terrain in frustration, they will be compelled to take orders from indecent people and will live in greater frustration.
For me, the verdict of history will be harsh indeed, if people of good conscience do not organize and mobilize to intervene in politics.
My vision, experience and capacity will make a difference.
My decision to seek election as governor of Edo State in 2007 derives from my conviction that I could utilize my capacity, experience and vision towards giving competent, transformational, people-driven and people- centered leadership to our dear state. My involvement in public welfare, good governance and democracy has nurtured in me leadership qualities and commitment to serve the people. The qualities and experience will empower me to deal with the complex and multifaceted challenges of governance in Edo State, if given the mandate.
We are no strongers to challenges
The challenges of electioneering and eventually of governance are formidable indeed. However, we are not strangers to challenges. By dint of vision, courage, commitment and participatory leadership, my colleagues and I were able to transform the Nigerian labour congress (NLC) into an effective national movement and a respected national institution. Under my stewardship of the labour movement, we have demonstrated that not with standing primordial divides, Nigerians can be galvanized to unite around people-centred developmental policy options.
I have consulted widely over this mission. I am much encouraged by the positive response from highly revered parsonages, traditional rulers, political leaders of all shades and across parties, community leaders, religious leaders and groups, youth and women organization, professional, self-employed and social groups. I am further encouraged by businessmen and women, who appreciate that good governance is a prerequisite for the growth of businesses.
The people are my greatest political assets.
The most important assets available to me in my quest for the governorship of Edo State is the goodwill and support of concerned people of Edo State and our friends. I am enriched already by the overwhelming collective resolve I have seen here today, which is a veritable source of inspiration and encouragement. I am convinced that together, we shall make a difference.
Making poverty history in Edo State – our mission.
At this point, I wish to avail the good people of Edo State and our friends of some of the concrete measures we will initiate in order to move our state forward if elected.
Our mission is to foster people-centred, all-inclusive, participatory and result-oriented governance in furtherance of the development of Edo State and welfare, prosperity and dignity of her people. With appropriate state interventions and through participatory governance, we will unleash the entrepreneurial passion, resourcefulness, industry, zeal, spirit of self-help, dignity of labour and competitiveness of Edo people. These qualities are generally necessary to compliment other public policy tools required to create and sustain a development impetus in the state.
Central to our envisioned strategy is the improvement of infrastructural profile of Edo State, including appropriate investment in human capital development, with emphasis on education, health and water. We will mobilize resources and use all available machinery to pursue the attainment of the Millennium development Goals (MDGS).
We will also priority the expansion of employment opportunities for the teeming youths. This will require massive investment in public works that can in turn encourage private sector investments and, thus, stimulate economic growth.
Although, there is a variety of problems that require immediate state interventions and massive injection of resources, we have identified three priorities to be pursued in the short term. These priorities will be Production, Infrastructure and Education (PIE).
Our evaluation of the situation of Edo State indicates that these three areas have the potentials to impact quickest on sustainable employment and poverty – reduction within the overall framework of people – centred development. Moreover, the three areas are linked and will reinforce each other, thus, creating the desired tempo for sustainable development.
Priority one – The three Rs – Restoring, Renovating and Refurbishing schools.
In a knowledge – driven world, qualitative, affordable and accessible education is the key to development. our Three Rs programme is therefore targeted at raising the quality of education at all levels primarily through improvement in physical infrastructure, boosting the morale of academic and non-academic staff, providing teaching and learning aid and ensuring pupil/student comfort.
Our vision is to re-invent the public schools system. In the primary and secondary school systems, there will be the following new initiatives.
Continued next week.
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