By Isaac Asabor
BENIN CITY/Nigeria: Barrister Dele Igbinedion, a former lawmaker, lawyer, human rights activist, author, and humanist who is vying for the gubernatorial ticket of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2024 elections, have made a resounding promise to prioritize the people and usher in a new era of people-oriented governance.
Igbinedion, with aspirations to occupy the Dennis Osadebe Avenue seat of power under the Labour Party (LP) banner, outlined his vision for a government with a human face. He stressed that his approach would involve putting the people at the grassroots at the center of governance, ensuring that they feel the tangible impact of government policies and actions, a prospect that has eluded them in previous political dispensations.
The accomplished lawyer emphasized the need to transition from what he referred to as “sham people-inclusive governance” in the state to a truly “People-Oriented Governance.” His administration, if elected, would prioritize good governance, infrastructural development, security, economic growth, education, and youth development. Every government effort, he pledged, would be directed towards serving the interests and well-being of the people.
Igbinedion underscored the fundamental principle of democracy, stating, “As understood in every democracy in the world, governance is about the people.” He further elaborated, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” emphasizing the importance of decisions made directly or indirectly by the people in a democratic system.
Continuing to articulate his commitment to a people-oriented government, Igbinedion declared, “We are going to run a government with a human face and ensure that the needed jobs are created to gainfully engage our unemployed youths.” He pledged to collaborate with local communities and relevant stakeholders across all local governments to achieve success in areas such as security, infrastructure development, and economic growth, all while ensuring transparent and responsible use of state resources.
In a critique of the current administration, Igbinedion remarked, “Unfortunately, we have had successive governments in this state that were, and still are anti-people, and even see the people as objects to be crushed.” He expressed his determination to change this dynamic and bridge the gap between the government and the people once elected.
Responding to questions about his motivation to pursue a government with a human face, Igbinedion criticized the ongoing administration, characterizing it as “anti-people.” He cited specific instances, such as the conversion of the Central Hospital into a museum, as evidence of misguided policies that have hindered the progress of the state.
Barrister Dele Igbinedion’s promise of a people-centered government has set the stage for a potentially transformative political campaign in Edo State as he seeks to secure the Labour Party’s gubernatorial ticket for the upcoming 2024 elections.
