Timothy Omobude 
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said the present administration under his leadership will replicate a higher version of Senator Godswill Akpabio’s transformation magical transformation in Akwa Ibom as one of the finest States in Nigeria.
Gov Okpebholo gave the remarks on Saturday night, during a reception held in his honour of the senate president in his hometown, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio governed Akwa Ibom between 2007 and 2015, repositioned the state as one of the most vibrant and beautiful States in the country.
According to the chief press secretary, Fred Itua in a statement made available to DAILYFLASH Okpebholo will ensure that the same template is used to transform and reposition Edo State.
“The man I love to call, ‘the uncommon man’ did so much when he was Governor, and today, Akwa Ibom history cannot be complete without Akpabio’s transformation magic story. Before he came, Akwa Ibom was one of the States written off. But within eight years as Governor, he achieved so much that today, Uyo is regarded as one of the finest cities in the country.
“So when I became Governor, I decided to come, see, and reproduce the same development for my people. With what I have observed from this visit, I am more confident and convinced that what we plan to achieve with this mandate given us by the people of Edo is doable. If Akpabio can do this in Akwa Ibom, we will do it in Edo.”
“What Akpabio has done in terms of legislation in this country, no other Senate President has made that mark. Within one year in office, Akpabio has done what those who were Senate Presidents for eight years could not do.
“When things get tough in the Senate, he has a way of calming everyone down and taking charge of the situation.
“I want to thank him because, the first day I came to Akwa Ibom, I asked him, ‘why did you bring me to this place?’ He said, ‘I brought you here to come and see so that, when you become the Governor of Edo, you will replicate what I have done in this State’.
“Today, I am here to say thank you, His Excellency, the Senate president. I have listened to your advice and I want to assure you that we will do in Edo, what we have seen in Akwa Ibom.”
On his part, Sen. Akpabio appreciated the Governor for his humble disposition and people-oriented approach to governance, stressing that his humility to seek and learn from those who have successfully walked the path he currently walks is an indication that he will succeed in governance.
