Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to assess President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration based on its measurable achievements, particularly in economic reforms, infrastructure development and social interventions, insisting that the government deserves another term to complete its ongoing projects.
Shettima made the appeal on Thursday while representing President Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Benin City, Edo State, where he highlighted what he described as significant accomplishments of the Federal Government across different sectors.
The Vice-President maintained that governance should be evaluated by its impact on citizens’ lives, noting that although some projects had been completed, several others remained ongoing and required more time to deliver their intended benefits.
“We ask that our stewardship be judged by the lives our decisions have touched and the work we are determined to complete. We have come this far with your trust, and we seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s infrastructure interventions in Edo State, Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced work on the dualisation of roads connecting major communities, including Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella.
He also announced that emergency repairs were underway on the Benin-Asaba and Sapele roads to ease transportation difficulties and reduce losses suffered by traders and other road users.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit and ensuring that Edo State is not left behind in national development.
“We have not abandoned that pledge. We are determined to build roads on which a trader at Agbede will no longer lose money to delays,” he stated.
On industrial development, Shettima announced that natural gas was now flowing through the completed Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, describing the development as a major breakthrough for Edo State’s industrial sector.
He said the project would provide a more sustainable energy solution to support local manufacturing and industrial activities, stressing that reliable energy supply was essential for economic growth.
The Vice-President also outlined the Federal Government’s interventions in the health sector, including support for the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, which he said now provides radiotherapy services for cancer patients and subsidised dialysis for eligible patients.
He further disclosed that the administration had prioritised improvements at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, alongside support for 158 public healthcare facilities across Edo State through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
On education, Shettima said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was helping to remove financial barriers preventing students from pursuing their academic ambitions.
He added that the Federal Government was committed to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring that students across Edo State and other parts of the country could access financial support for their studies.
Addressing the agricultural sector, he disclosed that subsidised fertilisers had been allocated to farmers, while training programmes were being provided for farmers and entrepreneurs. He also highlighted vocational training initiatives being implemented through the National Directorate of Employment.
The Vice-President equally reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to recovering Nigeria’s stolen cultural heritage, particularly the Benin Bronzes and other historical artefacts.
He said the administration stood with the people and traditional institutions of Edo State in demanding the unconditional return of the artefacts to their rightful home.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described the Federal Government’s interventions in the state as significant, declaring that the projects and reforms had strengthened his confidence in the Tinubu administration.
Okpebholo pledged that Edo State would deliver two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the Federal Government’s interventions were sufficient to support his re-election, adding that the reforms introduced by the President had created opportunities for state governments to embark on projects with direct benefits to the people.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also expressed confidence in the APC administration, saying its performance at both federal and state levels informed his decision to lead the campaign in the state.
Similarly, Imo State Governor and Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hope Uzodimma, described the massive turnout at the rally as evidence of the people’s support for President Tinubu.
He urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that the anticipated support for the President must translate into votes during the 2027 general election.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, also affirmed the South-South region’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election, describing the region as united in its position.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the large crowd at the rally demonstrated the level of support for the APC, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory across elective positions.
He urged Nigerians to support the President, noting that tackling insecurity and protecting lives and property remained among the administration’s priorities.
The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, also called on Edo residents to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition, pointing to ongoing Federal Government projects in the state as evidence of the President’s commitment to its development.
Yari said Edo State remained important to the President and urged residents to turn out in large numbers to vote for the APC.
Meanwhile, the Vice-President had earlier visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, where he conveyed the Federal Government’s appreciation to the monarch for his leadership and efforts towards sustaining peaceful coexistence and preserving the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
“We are here to thank Your Royal Majesty for your remarkable work in sustaining peaceful coexistence and preserving the rich cultural heritage of your forefathers,” Shettima said.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, reaffirmed the party’s confidence in President Tinubu, describing him as the most competent candidate for the forthcoming presidential election.
The rally attracted several APC leaders, governors, political stakeholders and supporters from Edo State and other parts of the country.
Source: State House Digital.
