National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has advised Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, not to dissipate his energy fighting Governor Godwin Obaseki, when he assumes office.
Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, equally advised Okpebholo to concentrate on the implemention of the manifestos which helped him to win the election.
The appeal was contained in his remarks when he hosted Okpebholo who paid a thank you courtesy visit on the National Working Committee (NWC) at the headquarters of the ruling party in Abuja on Thursday.
The governor-elect, while responding to the advice, said that he is yet to get report on the alleged looting of treasury by Governor Obaseki and the supplementary budget he requested, emphasising: “For me, I don’t know what it is. I have not seen any reports. By the time I see that, then I will make a decision. I will also consult our party to know the way forward. Let’s get there first.”
According to Ganduje: “The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from. There is no need.
“A progressive government does not have time for that. Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced. Follow it to the letter with the socio-economic development of the people, build bridges, and establish good relationships with the stakeholders.
“Think forward and be an action governor. During the campaign, you were an action candidate, and now you are an action governor. We believe it. We believe you will succeed and make the people of our winning state proud. We thank you,” he advised.
Speaking further, Ganduje assured: “The party is ready to assist you in any way. But you must ensure that, from the ward level to the local government level and state level, all party offices are functional and physically habitable.
“We have recently established a progressive institute, the intellectual wing of the party, which will assist in the training of your personnel, especially at the local government level, and help harness the demands of the Nigerian people to form a political agenda for the government.
“So, I assure you, this is an institution a living political institution not only active during elections but throughout the year, creating programs and projects that make it a living party,” he said