Uhomoibhi joins Edo governorship race, promises transformation

A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Edo State Amb. Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, on Friday formally met with all the Traditional rulers of Esanland who all converged at the Palace of the Onojie of Ewatto, in Esan South East local government area of the state.

Speaking with traditional rulers all through in the Esan language, he comically apologized, saying he decided to communicate to them in the language because he had no funds to pay an interpreter if he was to speak in the English language.

Uhomoibhi revealed to the traditional rulers that he was the Undersecretary General of the United Nations who oversaw the stabilization of the political crisis in Dafur-Sudan.

Speaking on his motivation to contest for the position of Edo state governor, the erudite Ambassador said, “when I was in service in Dafur-Sudan, I saw a lot of Nigerians crossing the desert, some on foot, en-route Italy to prostitute. I heard of many Nigerians who were auctioned like common commodities, and I saw many Nigerians that lost their live. Sadly, a number of these Nigerians are from Edo state.

“The main reason why Nigerians leave the country by whatever means, in droves, is chiefly as a result of bad leadership.

“our flawed leadership selection process brought our dear state and country to this pitiable level that we find ourselves today…if I am given the opportunity to serve Edo state, together, we can actually make Edo state the Switzerland of Nigeria, through Foreign Direct Investment, that will be complemented by our local efforts.”he said.

Concluding, Uhomoibhi said, under his leadership, at least, two industries will be facilitated to each of the three Senatorial districts, with the sole aim of creating employment opportunities for the youths, thereby curtailing unemployment level as well as crime rate in the state.

He also promised to resuscitate, through World Bank intervention, the water Pump House at Ibore-Irrua, that supplied water to the entire Esanland and part of Edo North.

Uhomoibhi who noted that, because Edo state in general, and Esanland in particular is blessed with fertile soil for agriculture, he said he will use his connections to attract international investors who will give agriculture a boost using modern technologies.

The Onojie of Igueben, HRH, Ehizojie Eluojieror II, who responded on behalf of the entire Enijie of Esanland, prayed that, God grant Uhomoibhi the opportunity to use all he has achieved in academics as well as on the field in governance to assist the people of Edo state, adding that Uhomoibhi’s sterling qualities are very clear.

Uhomoibhi started his formal education in St. Anthony Primary School, Ewatto, and climaxed at the Saint Anthony College in Oxford University, United Kingdom, where he obtained his doctorate degree at the age of 27.

Uhomoibhi, OFR, an outstanding Nigerian First Class Diplomat, and the longest serving Permanent Secretary in the History of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was the President of  the World Intellectual Property Organisation, as well as the President of the United Nations Human Right Council, is one of the leading aspirants for the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election.