From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the upcoming Edo State election, has welcomed over 4,000 defectors from the Obidient Movement to the APC in Emuado-Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Addressing the defectors at the university community, Senator Okpebholo acknowledged the challenges lecturers have faced due to the non-payment of their salaries for 27 months. He expressed empathy and pledged to rectify the situation if elected governor.
Highlighting the importance of education in societal development, Okpebholo emphasised that neglecting lecturers in state-owned universities was unacceptable. He pledged to prioritise salary payments and prevent such delays in his administration.
He urged lecturers to “chase out” the incumbent governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their ineffective governance, emphasising the greater good of the state. The upcoming election, he argued, presented an opportunity for a fresh start, promising to restore dignity to the teaching profession and ensure lecturers receive their deserved remuneration.
“The PDP has done enough damage in the state, especially in the education sector,” the senator declared. “It’s time to boot them and their baggage out of the state.”
Earlier, Mr James Akharayi, the defectors’ spokesperson, explained that their decision to join the APC was driven by the need to align with a man who has the vision, the capacity and the ability to direct the state on the path of development and ensure all-inclusive governance. He assured the APC candidate of their unwavering support in securing victory in the September 2024 governorship election.
State party chairman Jarrett Tenebe and deputy governorship candidate Dennis Idahosa welcomed the new members, assuring them of equal privileges as existing members.