Okpebholo has laid foundation for Tinubu’s re-election – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has laid a solid foundation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the remark in Benin City while commissioning 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for distribution to the 18 local government councils in the state.

The former Rivers State governor described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at boosting grassroots economic development. He commended Okpebholo for prioritising rural infrastructure and empowering local governments with the tools needed to deliver services effectively.

“You have demonstrated that you love the economy of the local government. You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas. You have laid the foundation for Mr President to be re-elected,” Wike said.

He contrasted what he described as political theatrics by opponents with the developmental strides of the current administration, citing electoral gains in the FCT as evidence of public support for the ruling party.

In his address, Okpebholo said the handover of the equipment aligns with his administration’s SHINE Agenda and represents a deliberate effort to decentralise development across the state.

“Today marks a significant step in our commitment to grassroots development in Edo State. Development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people,” he stated.

The governor emphasised that the equipment—ranging from earth-moving machines to sanitation tools—are not ceremonial assets but working instruments meant to open rural roads, improve drainage systems, enhance sanitation and accelerate local infrastructure delivery.

“These machines are tools of transformation. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work,” he declared, adding that the assets belong to the people of Edo State and must be deployed transparently and maintained responsibly.

Speaking on behalf of the council chairmen, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a demonstration of practical governance and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

He asserted that governance at the grassroots had regained momentum under the current administration.

The event underscores growing political alignment between key state actors and the presidency, as subnational projects increasingly intersect with national political narratives ahead of future electoral contests.