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Among the political gladiators and aspirants in the 2016 guber primaries, Mr Godwin Obaseki was the least popular. The likes of Odubu, Ogiemwonyi, Arhiavbere, Imasuangbon and Ize-Iyamu echoed in the mouths of all and sundry. Comrade Aliu Oshiomhole made his choice at the nick of time. GO emerged the guber candidate for APC!
Many Edolites never expected much from him when he later won the guber election as governor of Edo state. Initially, They did not trust his political cum administrative prowess, but within a space of 3 years, this guy baffled the masses with the following results:
1. The ancient Gelegele river came to limelight as the Governor embarked on the first phase of making it a seaport- a developmental project that will improve the economic hub of Edo state.
2. Thuggery and oppression in the name of Community Development Association (CDA) was legislated against by members of the EDHA and assented to by the Governor. Today, peace has pervaded all our communities in Edo state.
3. Decency has now been restored in all the roads in the city which hitherto proved impassable. Third Junction in Upper Sokponba, New Benin Market axis, King's Square, Oba Market Road, Ramat Park and the likes now experience free flow of traffic. This same effort was made by past administrations, but the exercise was futile as it was marred by extortion, thuggery and bias. But Governor Obaseki succeeded! Till date, motorists enjoy plying those roads unhindered.
4. Edo state resources were retrieved from private hands and channeled directly into the state purse. No more individual celebration of a billion naira!
5. All roads began to wear new looks. The 3 senatorial districts in Edo state can ably testify of the road projects facilitated by GGO.
6. For the first time in Edo history and Nigeria at large, Edo state education system went digital! Expatriates from the East and West blocs came to Edo to witness this unprecedented exercise. Teachers were retrained to measure up with best global practices.
7. The EdoJobs Initiative was created to serve a dual purpose- skill acquisition and employment generation. I was a beneficiary of one of its seminars. Though unannounced, many youths have secured jobs through this platform, both in public and private sectors.
8. To the amazement of all, public workers and pensioners were paid their backlog salaries just few months after GGO was sworn in as governor. People started asking ' where did the money come from?' This question stemmed from the huge amount seemed to be wasted on the guber election that really drained the state treasury. Till date, GGO maintains that feat. Workers get their salaries as at when due.
9. The recent development of laying off aged public workers from service was applauded by all and sundry. Imagine what a 70 year old man or woman can offer in the public sector! People spent more than 35 years and still serving!
10. A lot more coming...
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