In continuation of APC Ward to ward campaign, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, made a bold promise to revive the prestigious Ambrose Ali University (AAU) to its former glory.
Speaking at an APC ward rally in Ekpoma, Okpebholo lambasted the current administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, for the neglect of the university. He revealed that under the previous administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the monthly allocation to AAU was a robust 252 million naira. However, Obaseki’s government has slashed this allocation to a mere 42 million naira, crippling the institution.
The APC candidate accused the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who is the head of Obaseki’s economic team, of failing to advise the governor on the importance of adequately funding the university. Okpebholo vowed that within his first year in office, he will employ teachers for Edo public schools.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the leader of the APC in Edo, corroborated Okpebholo’s claims. Oshiomhole recalled how he and Okpebholo met with the Minister of Works, who approved 200 million naira for a Benin-Auchi road project. They then appealed to President Bola Tinubu, who subsequently approved 130 billion naira for the construction of the Benin-Auchi road.
Oshiomhole further stated that Obaseki and Ighodalo cannot campaign together due to the Edo people’s hatred for the incumbent governor, whose administration has been a failure.
Okpebholo’s running mate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, promised that a joint Okpebholo-Idahosa administration will revive the education sector, create a mass transit system, and establish universal healthcare coverage across Edo State.