Subsidy Removal Has Increased Resources for Development, Says Okpebholo
Subsidy Removal Has Increased Resources for Development, Says Okpebholo
Sparknewsline9jaltd-October 08, 2026
By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government has increased resources available to state governments for development, including investment in infrastructure and security.
Governor Okpebholo stated this while addressing residents and All Progressives Congress (APC) members during the party’s statewide mobilisation tour of Okpella, Agenebode and Fugar in Etsako East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the courage to remove the fuel subsidy and introduce measures aimed at blocking leakages associated with the subsidy regime, saying the reforms had freed more resources for development at the subnational level.
According to him, the increased resources available to governments have contributed to development across various sectors, particularly security.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has brought about development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially the security sector, as security has improved across the nation.”
Governor Okpebholo said the 2027 general election would be important to the continued implementation of the Federal Government’s development agenda, urging the people to participate actively in the democratic process.
He said the election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the direction of the country and urged APC members to mobilise peacefully and encourage voters to participate.
“In January 2027, we would be facing a major election in Nigeria and this election will shape Nigeria. I urge you all to play your part and ensure massive votes for our party to return our President to enable him continue his developmental stride in the nation.”
The Governor’s position on the fiscal effects of subsidy removal is in line with recent statements from the Federal Government that the reform has strengthened public finances and increased fiscal capacity for infrastructure and other public investments.
Also speaking, Edo State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, urged party members to adopt a “one man, one vote” strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tenebe, who accompanied the Governor on the tour, urged party members to mobilise voters peacefully and avoid quarrels and violence in their efforts to secure support for the party.
He commended President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo for what he described as their developmental efforts, urging party members to support the administration for continued development.
“We have all seen the developmental stride of our governor, the son of President Tinubu. Governor Okpebholo is working as well as President Tinubu. We all need to support our party for continued development.”
He added: “We need to maintain the one man, one vote concept introduced by our leader. Our vote is what is needed to return President Tinubu to power and ensure the developmental stride continues in Nigeria.”
Tenebe said the mobilisation tour was aimed at meeting party leaders and members at the ward and unit levels, motivating them and preparing them for the forthcoming general election.
In Fugar, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Tenebe paid tribute to the late Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a prominent politician from the area, acknowledging his contributions to Edo politics.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area and Edo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Sunny Ekpeson, commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as his non-interference in local government finances.
Ekpeson said the 18 local government chairmen had been given the freedom to utilise council resources for grassroots development.
“As ALGON chairman in the state, I can confidently say that the governor doesn’t interfere with local government funds as he has given us free hand to utilise our resources to develop the grassroots and ensure dividends of democracy are felt at the grassroots level.”
He said the councils would soon commence the commissioning of projects across their respective areas.
The mobilisation activities in Okpella, Agenebode and Fugar attracted APC members, youths, women leaders, market men and women and other residents who gathered to receive the party delegation.
