Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency of Edo State, has asserted that the current economic hardship will not negatively impact his party’s chances in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State on September 21.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Agbonayinma, known as EJ, attributed the nation’s economic difficulties to corruption rather than the policies of President Bola Tinubu.
He claimed, “I can tell you that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is not the cause of our predicament. We are our own problems. Why? Corruption has eaten Nigeria deeply.”
Agbonayinma criticized past administrations, alleging that the cabals under former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo were responsible for the country’s current state.
He stated, “Before Tinubu came into office, the country was messed up by some cabal… Corruption is the major problem facing our dear nation.”
He highlighted systemic issues, saying, “When someone is caught in America or any other part of the world, he is prosecuted, but when anyone is caught in Nigeria, he is celebrated. If the money meant for infrastructure was stolen yesterday, what can you do tomorrow?”
Agbonayinma praised President Tinubu’s efforts, noting improvements in infrastructure and transport, such as the Abuja-Benin road and Nigerian railway. He said, “Look at Abuja today… the face of Abuja has been changed totally… Look at what Mr. President is doing in terms of building infrastructure.”
Regarding the APC’s readiness for the upcoming election, Agbonayinma expressed confidence, stating, “APC is more than prepared than I’ve ever thought.”
He criticized the current administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to address infrastructure and environmental issues, claiming, “When it rains in Edo, just five minutes of rain, it becomes river Obaseki and river Asue together.”
Agbonayinma also criticized the gubernatorial candidate endorsed by Obaseki, Asue Ighodalo, suggesting that Ighodalo’s previous roles, including as Chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, did not positively impact his community.
He said, “Go to his own village, Obhohinwi in Esan Central, nothing to show for that… He has never been in touch with his people all these years.”
