Mr Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the Edo State governorship election, was notably absent during the presentation of manifestoes by leading candidates to political stakeholders, professionals, and alumni associations of certain schools in the state.
The town hall meeting, organized by a group of Edo professionals called Unuedo Renaissance, took place at the Black Diamond Hotel on Ozumba Mbadiwe Way in Lagos State.
The Labour Party candidate, Mr Olumide Akpata, and the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, were present at the event.
Ighodalo emphasized the importance of adopting state policing to enhance the state’s security measures.
He highlighted the significance of local security, pointing out that empowering vigilantes and other community-based security groups was essential for effective local protection.
According to Ighodalo, the challenge with state policing often lies in its misuse by local leaders for personal gain, a practice that needs to be reformed.
He insisted on the need for constitutional safeguards to prevent state police from being exploited for political purposes.
Expanding on his plans, Ighodalo remarked, “In recent years, incidents of kidnapping and other local crimes have reduced in Edo. We will strengthen our collaboration with the police for improved security outcomes.”
He addressed the issue of police funding, acknowledging the existing challenges and expressing readiness to enhance support within the current framework while also being prepared to adapt to any future constitutional changes.
Discussing the state of education, Akpata emphasized its pivotal role in the state’s development.
He stated, “My education has been solely within Nigeria, and I am confident in my abilities to compete globally. At the Labour Party, we prioritize the welfare of families.
“I am dissatisfied with the educational standards in Edo. When I took the entrance exam at Kings College, Lagos, scoring 91%, it reflected the standard Edo once upheld. What factors are essential for Edo’s prosperity?
“Currently, Edo students are studying on bare floors, indicating crucial infrastructural deficiencies. Teacher motivation is lacking, and some schools face severe staff shortages.”
In response to Akpata, Ighodalo supported the EdoBest Programme by the existing administration as a positive step for educational enhancement in the state.
Both candidates agreed on the need to hand over mission schools to their original private owners who have the capacity to manage them effectively.