The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, Prof. Martin Uhomoibhi, has promised to transform the state to Switzerland if elected.
Uhomoibhi stated this when he met with traditional rulers of Esanland who converged on the palace of Onojie of Ewatto, Esan Southeast Local Government Area.
The PDP governorship aspirant, who apologized for his inability to speak Esan language, expressed his readiness to transform the fortunes of Edo State if he wins at the polls.
“I was the Undersecretary-General of the United Nations, who oversaw the stabilisation of the political crisis in Dafur, Sudan,” he began.
“While in Sudan, I saw a lot of Nigerians crossing the desert, some on foot, en-route Italy, to prostitute. I heard of many Nigerians that were auctioned like common commodities, and I saw many Nigerians that lost their lives. Sadly, a number of these Nigerians were from Edo State.
“Why Nigerians leave the country, by whatever means, in droves, is mainly as a result of bad leadership. Our flawed leadership selection process brought our dear state and country to this pitiable level that we find ourselves today.
“If I am given the opportunity to serve as governor, together we can make Edo the Switzerland of Nigeria, through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that will be complemented by our local efforts.
“Under my leadership as Edo governor, God willing, at least two industries will be facilitated in each of the three senatorial districts with the sole aim of creating employment opportunities for our qualified youths, thereby curtailing unemployment and crime.”
The former ambassador also promised to resuscitate, through the World Bank’s intervention, the water pump house at Ibore-Irrua that supplied water to the entire Esanland and part of Edo North.
He noted that with Esanland and other parts of Edo State blessed with fertile soil for agriculture, he would use his connections to attract international investors, who would give agriculture a boost, using modern technologies.
Onojie of Igueben, Ehizojie Eluojieror II, who responded on behalf of other monarchs, prayed God to grant Uhomoibhi the opportunity to use his achievements in academics and governance to assist the Edo people.
