By Job Osazuwa

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Mr. Raphael Ogbebor is aspiring to become the chairman of Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State, on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview, he explains why the party should give him the ticket and his plans to turn the council into an economic hub of the state.
Why should APC consider you as its flag bearer for the council poll?
I am qualified to lead my people to economic prosperity. Apart from my educational qualification, I am a democratic administrator and a lawyer. I was born, nurtured and schooled in Esan West Local Government Area. I attended Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where I obtained an LLB in Law. My growing up here formed the pillar upon which my principles are built. The experiences; good and bad within the community have brought me great achievements, thus, created a drive in my heart to use what the community has offered me to, in return, better the Esan West LG. I believe that a lot needs to be done in the area of youth development; arresting social unrest, providing unemployment, basic education, affordable health care system, good road network among others.
What are the reasons for your chairmanship bid?
Without any equivocation, democracy is the only viable and sustainable weapon for tackling national backwardness and securing recognition and respect from the international community. Besides, leadership is an essential element of human existence and indispensable factor in defining our civilisation through history. Hence, rebranding Esan West, which is my campaign slogan, is a divine agenda which seeks to rebuild, reform, reposition, rejuvenate, and designed to take the council to the next level. I am entrenched with the people at the grassroots; I understand my people and I am conversant with the environment. As a local government administrator who had attended numerous workshops on leadership and people-oriented governance style, I am therefore grounded on the rudiments of grassroots administration.
What the people of Esan West need is a man who understands the local government area and its challenges. A candidate who can solve those challenges using available resources prudently and dispassionately. The people need someone who is young, intelligent, vibrant and experienced.
Which key area will you focus on if given the chance?
If elected by the grace of God, l will focus on the construction of good road network and rehabilitation of existing ones. This is a key component of development in any functional society and Esan West cannot be an exception in this 21st century.
What gives you the confidence that you will get your party’s ticket?
As a loyal party man, who has been with the party and understands the dynamics of party politics and party administration, I am confident of getting the support of my people. I have contributed to the success of the party at the grassroots levels, hence, I have no doubt that my people, and especially the stakeholders will support my ambition. The party is already aware that l am out to rebrand and change the situation of our communities because our communities deserve a better deal. The need to create wealth and fast track development through massive infrastructures to boost local businesses are my priorities. I am committed to improving socio-economic growth and development of Esan West area as the gateway and commercial hub of Edo State through good governance, purposeful and ethnical leadership.