Stephen Osemwegie, the gubernatorial candidate representing the Labour Party (LP) in the upcoming Edo 2024 election, has expressed optimism despite the ongoing legal dispute involving the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and President Bola Tinubu.
In a recent development, the tribunal, just last week, ruled in favour of Tinubu by striking down the array of charges presented by Obi and the LP, contesting the outcome of the February 25 election.
Osemwegie, in a statement issued on Wednesday, lamented that the tribunal’s ruling had disappointed the expectations of Nigerians.
According to him, the judgment did not mirror the role of the constitution of the country noting that ‘Obi will reclaim his mandate’.
‘I’m dismayed by the PEPT’s judgment as it amounts to a total abdication of power to the executive arm of government in a manner indicative of state capture, and does not reflect the independence of the judiciary as envisaged by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a slap on us as nation that prides itself as ‘Giant of Africa’.’
‘This aberration should be strongly condemned in its entirety. I believe it is an attempt to legitimize the imposed presidency of Bola Tinubu; dash the hope of the ordinary and long-suffering Nigerians for a new nation anchored on the principles of justice, equity and fairness; and grossly undermine the moral and ethical standards of the larger society,’ he said.
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Additionally, the LP’s governorship hopeful pledged to turn Edo into a leading industrial powerhouse within Nigeria once he assumes office next year.
Osemwegie, when addressing the funding source for his planned state initiatives, highlighted similarities between Edo and New Jersey.
‘Edo approximately covers an area of 19,000 sq km, same as New Jersey USA. Edo population is approximately 4.5 million, while New Jersey is approximately 9 million people (double the population of Edo State). The current annual budget of Edo is 360 billion naira (approximately 0.4 billion US dollars) while New Jersey’s annual budget is at a whopping 54 billion US dollars.’
He added; ‘There is no money to develop and industrialise Edo based on its paltry resources, therefore new funding must come from the diaspora in the form of investment bonds which will be sold to Edo indigenes in Diaspora’.
In addition, he unveiled a proposal for 10,000 Edo Diasporans to work in tandem with his administration, committing $10,000 each over four years to support the redevelopment of the recently industrialised Edo, with the expectation of delivering profitable returns for these investors.
‘These investments will enable the implementation of the SEE A HOPE agenda,’ he said.
If granted the opportunity to serve as Edo’s Governor come 2024, Osemwegie made it clear that he is ready to begin delivering on his promises immediately and stressed the importance of steadfastly championing the vision for a new Nigeria.