Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government will eventually put Nigeria on a “cruising level”
Okpebholo spoke on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he also urged Nigerians to be patient with the ongoing reforms
“…What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” he said.
Using an aircraft as an illustration, the governor explained that the benefits of reforms would become more evident once the economy reaches a stable level
“I make an illustration When a plane is taking off, do you see them serving food? Do you see air hostesses serving food in the plane? They will never give you food until that seatbelt is released. That means on a cruising level. That is when they will start serving food.
“I want to let you know, very soon Nigeria will be on the cruising level Nigeria will be on a cruising level,” Okpebholo said.
He also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom, saying a recent visit to London prompted him to check how much motorists pay for the commodity there
“When we complained about cost of petrol, I was in London last week I told my friend, ‘Let’s go and buy fuel just to know the cost of fuel between Nigeria and England.’
“Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about 3,000-something for one litre of fuel,” he said
The governor argued that the comparison indicated that Nigerians were paying less for petrol than motorists in the UK
“We are doing very well here The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of persistent concerns over petrol prices and the broader cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent adjustments in pump prices
Okpebholo also pointed to infrastructure development as another indication of the Federal Government’s efforts, particularly the construction of roads across the country
“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” he said
Beyond the road project, Okpebholo used the occasion to express support for Tinubu’s continued stay in office, questioning those preparing to challenge the President in the 2027 election
“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” Okpebholo said
He added, “I agree with the Oba of Benin that said, ‘You don’t change a working President’”
Okpebholo maintained that the reforms would ultimately deliver improved conditions, while assuring that the state and country were being properly managed
He said, “That means even when Asiwaju leaves, whoever President that comes in the future after his… I want to let them know that Edo is in a safe hand Nigeria is also in a safe hand.”