As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State draws nearer, Maxwell Akhigbe, Convener of PollWatch Nigeria, has advanced reasons why Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) towers above other candidates and deserves Edo people’s votes.

COMPETENCE

Asue Ighodalo is a multi-discipline professional. As a lawyer and economist, he towers above the pack with loads of experience in both public and private sector. A member of  Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he was a past Chairman of the Section on Business Law (2014-2016), International Bar Association (Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL)), Association of International Energy Negotiators, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Commercial Law and Taxation Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. A truly cosmopolitan professional and technocrat like Ighodalo is what Edo needs now to trigger massive industrialisation of the state.

CAPACITY

He has a proven pedigree that accentuates his capacity to lead and deliver results. His capacity is known to the public as he has been consistently ranked as a ‘Tier 1’ or ‘Leading lawyer’ in his areas of practice by the top-level legal directories. He has delivered several presentations on diverse subjects, including a biannual seminar on “Contemporary Political History of Nigeria” at the Nigerian Leadership Initiative Future Leaders Class and the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship (KIF) class and also formerly served as a resource person at the CWC Gas Monetisation seminar. For over six years he lectured on “the Duties and Responsibilities of Company Directors”, and on corporate governance issues at the Lagos Business School, and at the Institute of Directors’ seminars.

Having managed pressure at top levels of leadership in his eventful career, Ighodalo is primed to decisively handle the demands of governorship for the benefits the people of Edo state.

EXPERIENCE IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS

Asue has a wealth of experience in both private and public sectors. His experience as former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and as one who also served on the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Sterling Bank Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Levene Energy Group, Edo State Investment Summit (Alaghodaro), Global Mix Limited, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), among many other public and networth private equities, lends him to the job as Governor. He will leverage his vast network to transform Edo state economically. His rare blend of private-public sector experience puts him in pole position as one with the wherewithal to manage resources in lean times to impact on the people and the state positively. His leadership will impact the rural folks, market women, the youths and the underclass in Edo most positively.

NETWORK OF FRIENDS AND NET WORTH

Ighodalo’s vast network of friends and associates is a strong social equity which he can pool resources from for Edo state in the area of investment.  Having served on many Government advisory and technical committees namely: Member, (and Chairman Legal/Regulatory Committee) of the Electric Power Sector Reform & Implementation Committee (2001 – 2004), established by the Federal Government to devise the reform of the electric power sector and provide draft statute; Anti-trust and Competition Committee (2002 – 2004), established by the Federal Government; Member, Policy and Monitoring Committee of the National Council on Privatisation (2007 -2009); Vice Chairman, Committee established by the Nigerian Government to review the Investment & Securities Act, 2007(June 2010); Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Technical Committee on Demutualization of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (September 2011); he comes as a rounded technocrat for the great task of advancing development of Edo state.

PRUDENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Ighodalo is one of those rare Nigerian professionals who have served in both private and public space at top level without blemish. He has no moral burden and comes squeaky clean in the public sector arena racked by corruption and allegations of sleaze. It is a testament to his prudent fiscal management skills and ability. Edo people are clear on their choice: They don’t want a kleptocrat. Ighodalo fits the picture they paint; someone who will judiciously manage the scarce resources available to the state amidst a national economic meltdown.

With his background in corporate law and business, Asue has shown an aptitude for prudent fiscal management. His approach to financial stewardship is marked by accountability and judiciousness, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and projects are executed efficiently. This skill is crucial for optimising Edo’s budget and driving sustainable growth.

Voting for Ighodalo amounts to choosing a candidate who embodies competence, leadership capacity, broad experience, vertical and horizontal networks, and prudent fiscal management. These attributes make him the ideal leader to propel Edo State towards a prosperous future.