Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying the ongoing reforms will eventually place Nigeria’s economy on a stable path.
Okpebholo spoke on Thursday during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as the Federal Government implements its economic reforms.
According to the governor, the current economic situation is part of a difficult reform process that will eventually produce benefits for citizens.
“What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform. And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” he said.
Okpebholo compared the reform process to an aircraft taking off, explaining that passengers do not receive certain services until the plane reaches cruising altitude.
“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,” he said.
The governor added that Nigeria would soon reach what he described as a “cruising level”, where the benefits of the reforms would become more visible.
“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 fuel prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom, saying he recently visited London and decided to check the cost of petrol 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 N3,000-something for one litre of fuel,” he said.
Okpebholo argued that the comparison showed that petrol was relatively cheaper in Nigeria than in the UK.
“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” he said.
The governor’s comments come amid continued concerns over petrol prices and the rising cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent changes in pump prices.
He also highlighted road construction across the country as evidence of ongoing government investment in infrastructure.
“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” Okpebholo said.
Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, the Edo governor expressed support for Tinubu’s continued presidency and questioned those preparing to challenge him.
“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” he said.
Okpebholo also cited the Oba of Benin’s reported position that a performing president should not be replaced.
“I agree with the Oba of Benin that said, ‘You don’t change a working President,’” he added.
The governor maintained that the ongoing reforms would eventually improve economic conditions, assuring that both Edo State and Nigeria were being properly managed.
He said the foundations being laid by the Tinubu administration would also benefit future governments.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
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