Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is rallying support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, declaring that the President had demonstrated uncommon courage through far-reaching economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the implementation of a new tax regime aimed at easing the burden on low-income Nigerians.
Okpebholo spoke while receiving the President of the Edo State Chapter of the Welders Association, Mr. Peter Osagie, and executive members of the association on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
The governor described Tinubu as “the best President that has ever happened to this country,” saying the administration’s bold policies were already translating into massive infrastructure development and improved fiscal capacity for states.
According to him, the ongoing construction of concrete pavement highways, including the Lagos-Benin corridor, represents a new chapter in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
“The best President that has ever happened in this country is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There are things many people thought would never happen in this country, but they are happening today in terms of development and infrastructure,” Okpebholo said.
“Today, you can see concrete pavement roads from Lagos towards Benin. The Coastal Highway is also being constructed with concrete pavement. These are roads that can last for over 80 years.
“When President Tinubu is no longer in office, Nigerians will still be using those roads. Future administrations will not need to spend huge sums reconstructing them. Rather, they can channel resources to other critical sectors. That is the kind of forward-thinking leadership we have not witnessed before.”
The governor said President Tinubu displayed exceptional courage by abolishing the fuel subsidy regime, which, according to him, had enriched only a privileged few at the expense of the Nigerian people.
He alleged that proceeds from the subsidy regime were cornered by a handful of individuals who amassed enormous wealth while the country suffered.
“The President came and removed fuel subsidy. Let me tell you the danger of that subsidy. A few individuals were enriching themselves, buying private jets, building houses and even establishing universities outside the country with resources that belonged to all Nigerians.
“There is no other President who had the courage to take that decision. It is only Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Okpebholo noted that courageous leaders are often defined by decisive actions rather than loud public pronouncements.
According to him, meaningful leadership is measured by results.
“People with true courage do not make noise. When we declared war against cultism in Edo State so that innocent people would stop dying, we did not make noise about it. Today, everyone can see the difference.
“The same thing applies to President Tinubu. He is quietly implementing reforms that will benefit Nigerians in the long run,” he added.
The governor also praised the President’s tax reform initiative, describing it as a policy designed to protect ordinary Nigerians while ensuring that those with greater financial capacity contribute their fair share.
“Our President introduced tax reforms that will benefit ordinary Nigerians. You and I, particularly low-income earners, will benefit from this tax regime.
“Those who have continued to accumulate enormous wealth and keep huge sums in the banks are the ones who will bear a greater responsibility under the new system,” he said.
Okpebholo attributed the improved financial position of states to the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had enabled governments at all levels to execute more development projects and meet their obligations to workers.
“The removal of fuel subsidy is one of the reasons you see roads being constructed everywhere today. It is the reason teachers are receiving their salaries. It is the reason civil servants are being paid.
“Tell me any state today where teachers or civil servants are being owed salaries. Across the country, governors are executing projects because more resources are now available for development,” he said.
The governor urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration, insisting that the ongoing reforms were in the overall interest of the country despite the initial challenges.
He appealed to members of the Welders Association and other Nigerians not to be swayed by political rhetoric ahead of future elections.
“I want you to support this government because it belongs to the people. It belongs to you and it belongs to all of us.
“Let us not be deceived. As elections approach, many people will make promises, but Nigerians must support leaders who have demonstrated the courage to take difficult decisions for the good of the country,” the governor said.
Earlier, President of the Edo State Welders Association, Mr. Peter Osagie, said members of the association were at Government House to identify with the administration and commend the governor for his developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure and job creation, assuring him of the association’s continued support.
