Politics
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 extensive public and private experience. A member of the 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 genuinely cosmopolitan professional and technocrat like Ighodalo is what Edo needs now to trigger massive industrialization of the state.
CAPACITY
His proven pedigree 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 practice areas 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 corporate governance issues at the Lagos Business School and the Institute of Directors’ seminars.
As demonstrated in his eventful career, Asue Ighodalo’s ability to manage pressure at top leadership levels primes him to handle the demands of the governorship. His experience and readiness will undoubtedly benefit the people of Edo State.
EXPERIENCE IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS THAT INSPIRES CONFIDENCE
Asue has a wealth of experience in both the 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 net-worth 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 sector experience puts him in a pole position with the wherewithal to manage resources in lean times to impact the people and the state positively. His leadership will most positively affect the rural folks, market women, the youths, and the underclass in Edo.
NETWORK OF FRIENDS AND NET WORTH
Ighodalo’s vast network of friends and associates is a solid social equity from which he can pool resources for Edo state in investment. Having served on many Government advisory and technical committees, namely: Member (and Chairman of 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 extraordinary task of advancing development of Edo state.
PRUDENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT
Ighodalo is a rare Nigerian professional who has served in private and public spaces at the top level without blemish. He has no moral burden and comes squeaky clean in the public sector arena racked by corruption and sleaze allegations. 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 as someone who will judiciously manage the scarce resources available to the state amidst a national economic meltdown.
With his corporate law and business background, 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 optimizing 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.
A.I
Sept. 19, 2024
Tags: Asue Ighodalo Maxwell Akhigbe
