My name is Ihueghian  Guobadia born in Benin City. I am running for the office of the Governor of Edo State. You may wonder why? What makes this man any different? Why should I listen to what he has to say? Why does he think he has a chance? All of these questions and many more have occurred to me many times.  The simple truth is, I am running because I have a comprehensive agenda that differs from that of all the others; which is to move Edo State forward for the better life of all, an agenda so persuasive, so insightful, so full of integrity and empathy and pure, glowing goodness that is more than anyone else.

 I am running because I have the most experience to turn Edo State into one of the 20 livable states in the world. Above all, because I love Edo State. I love this land. I love her beauty. I love her diversity. And most of all, I love her people -- their pioneering spirit, their can-do approach, their neighbor-helping-neighbor attitude. The Edo’s is capable of great things when we set our mind to it -- and we have a lot to be proud of: we've developed our cultural history that have changed the world. Working together, our ancestors transformed prairies into communities and shaped a future from red dirt to a pioneering spirit.

I have faith in the people of Edo State. I believe together we can manage our state. One of the most popular questions I get when I meet residents is, why do you want to be a Governor? in addition to the above, my answer is I want to protect the community that we were born and brought up in, and our parents and families lived in their whole life, and I want to improve our quality of life so that our young peoples, have even greater opportunities than our parents.

I am running for Governor because it is time, we, as Edo people, take control of our future.  I love my state and I’ve always been proud to call Edo State my home. I am running for Governor because I care about Edo history and its future, and I want my children and yours to be just as proud to call Edo state their home, I love Edo and the spirit of service my parents instilled in me compels me to stand up for what is right for all Edo people.

This is not a decision I take lightly, but one that has come from serious contemplation and a growing need for a leader who places people over politics, and service above all else. Since I decided to run, I have visited a lot of Edo people. I have met with and heard the concerns of my fellow citizens about how we can make Edo State greater. what I have heard over and over is that we are headed in the wrong direction, with jobs and the economy, etc. - all this issues I plan to address as I campaign for Governorship race of my state.

When faced with a challenge, my parents taught me to create solutions, not simply focus on the problems. Throughout my career in Private sectors this is exactly what I've done. On behalf of my family and yours, I am taking that chance. I am taking that risk. But I have the confidence in myself and in my community to take this ride together.  Please join me in this fight. Together, we have had a history of standing together and fighting the good fight, for Edo State, for a region, for economic opportunity and a better quality of life. I am asking you to walk with me this one time and together we will transform a historic Edo State.

There is always a way to run our government – one that doesn’t need waste of our resources, or abuse our revenue and taxpayer money; one that will restore economic success and help reduce unemployment; and one that will guard our quality of life and ensure that our children have even better opportunities to succeed than the generation before them.

We are one of the states in the Nation with a shrinking economy, and high unemployment rate. I’m hard pressed to think that we must be in touch with the critical needs of our youths. We must not hurt the middle class; our policies must help our people. I am running to fight high price of fuel and gasoline in my state to the point where we pay the low gas prices in the country as other fuel and gas producing Nations.  I am running to use legal means to fight increase in price of all other goods, groceries and services – because inflation is further hurting the middle class and our people of Edo State. I am running to reduce taxes on small businesses, enabling them to employ more workers.

Many of our students are among the best and brightest in the world but can’t find jobs here in Edo state and Nigeria at large. And many of those youths who do find jobs, soon learn that they cannot afford to live here in Nigeria as a result of economic meltdown. Youths who have lived in Edo State for generations are moving away to Europe and other developed Nations, not because they want to, but because they have to. That’s because Nigeria’s Government has failed them.  Furthermore, Nigeria’s Government has failed to adequately address the structural problems leading to Edo state and Nigeria at large growing long-term liabilities, including state pension and health care benefits, Jobless care benefits. Nigeria System failing to address the structural problems of states and continuing to spend and borrow beyond taxpayers’ means, our government has threatened our economic security and the economic security of future generations. As Governor, I will work by introducing bills to reduce state spending, roll back taxes, create jobs, and make living and working in Edo State more affordable.  I will aggressively within the reach of the law introduce bills that will help to combat waste, fraud, and abuse throughout states government. I will work to protect Edo State economic future by limiting borrowing and paying-down state debt. I will aggressively combat waste, fraud, and abuse throughout government by legal means I will introduce anti-growth policy bills, repeal anti-business policies, to improve our state’s business climate and help us capitalize on one of Edo’s greatest strengths – our highly skilled and educated workforce.

I’m Happy about this campaign and indebted to all the friends, family and supporters who have confident in me to run. I’m proud of my record of fiscal responsibility and autonomous leadership, and for standing up for transparency. These principles have guided me in my profession for the past 15 years and will continue to direct me throughout my crusade for Governor.

If you are concerned about industrious and hard-working, regular men, women and children simply trying to keep their heads above water, you should mind about what's happening in Nigeria. I'm someone who has come from humble beginnings, starting from nothing to where I am today. I ask that you join me and together we can win; I've never been handed a thing in life, I am always working to achieve results and focusing on priorities that benefits.

Basically, together we can make a difference in our country and in our  state. With that being said, if I don't see changes being made, if I don't think that I'm being productive and contributing to something in a positive manner, I've got to evaluate where I'm at and where I might be most effective. Our elected officials have become beholden to the special interests, lobbyists, and donors while the voice of the people is disregarded.  I am fed-up with our representatives not representing the people. We need a voice to represent the people and rein in an out-of-control government.  Once elected, I will be the voice of the voice for the people of Edo State.

It is time to pull together in order to move the state forward and seek not what is in the best interests of the political parties, but aggressively pursue what is in the best interests of Edo State and Nigeria. I am not running for Governorship to advance a political career. I am running to ensure that Edo state regains control of our resources and our future without bowing to party or special interests where the interests of Edo State were always paramount to those of special interests.

Like you, I am concerned for not just my own freedom and prosperity, but I am worried for my offspring as well. This movement is not about me or any political faction. My running is all about securing the blessings of liberty for our generation and the next. Let’s make Edo an even better place to live, work and raise a family. As your Governor, I will take a more serious look at major pieces of legislation and hold public or online forums with my constituents before carryout Judicial Reforms that is highly needed in the state.

 I have a great understanding of The Constitution, the law and History. I also understand that not all good laws are actually good and vice versa. Often times they need to be updated to better reflect the needs of today’s society. I decided that the time is now, to not only speak up but, step up to make a difference, I, like you, am sick of our so called “leadership”.

The trials and hardship of the lost decade and the rapid enlargement of the federal government over the last years or so have caused, a generation of Edo people and Nigerians to lose hope in the Nigeria dream. The founding vision of Nigeria constitution was a government that is supposed to protect the individual from the government and not one that protects themselves from the individuals through government laws and regulation. The people have become more dependent on themselves for social service at the expense of their own personal liberty. I believe that it is time that we the people lead the government back to its original and proper function. We need a voice in government that can and will restore the Edo Dreams that the constitution guarantees us.

We need a voice that inspires government to foster private sector individual opportunity, responsibility, and entrepreneurship and not a government that spends money it does not have and defines your choices for you. We must not give up that vision and we as Edo people and Nigerians should never give up the vision and cultures that has made us exceptional. We need to continue to ensure economic growth with a friendly, uncomplicated regulatory environment, the lowest amount of taxes possible, ending government central planning to the economy, paying down debt, and to being circumspect and wise when it comes to participating in programmes and schemes dreamed up by an out of control from Abuja.  I will be the voice for the people to keep as much of their hard-earned money in their pockets and out of the hands of politician in Abuja

Our representatives should work for us, but in order for that to happen we must first change the focus and priorities of our legislature, Judiciary and the executive. I want to be part of that change because I know that I have the experience to make it happen. My decision to run is an act of passion and concern, not a stepping-stone to any other position, elected or otherwise.  To build a stronger Edo, we need legislators, Judiciary and Executives who can hit the ground running and understand what it means to negotiate, choose battles, find common ground and produce results. We need to come together and stop allowing special interests and government intrusion from making decisions that unnecessarily impact our homes and families. We need open, transparent communication with our elected officials. We need to be sure that the direction we are focusing on has the right balance to keep us flourishing. I’d like to represent our collective ideas in creating policies that support that vision. I am ready to accept the challenge of that opportunity.

You can count on me to work hard, listen warily and move forward with determined vision to address solutions for economic growth, sustainable society and education. These aren’t just words. There are results to our problems. I have many. I’m sure you do too. Together, we will create better possibilities.

I am asking for your support and your resources to help wage a battle against a political machine.  We are facing a very important choice as voters everywhere are struggling financially and are increasingly aware that something seems to have gone wrong and that our days of prosperity seem to be behind us.

I am asking for your support and your resources to help wage a battle against a political machine.  Quite simply, our State and Nation seems to be on the wrong, we would be naïve to suggest that we do not have a long way to go in economic recovery. This is why I am running for office is because I want to do something about it.

I want to tackle Edo’s economy head-on, and I want to bring jobs back to Edo State and make our state prosperous more again. I believe we can bring more jobs to Edo State without compromising our commitment to our quality of life if we have the right leadership to help chart the way. I will fight to maintain your right to choose how you live your life. Choice is one of the most essential parts of our everyday lives. You have the freedom to work where you want, to work for yourself. You have the freedom to associate with whomever you like. You have the freedom to choose how you express yourself, where to express yourself and when you please. I could go on and on about the beauty of choice in our everyday lives from the moment you wake up till the moment to go back to sleep.

However, I can also make an argument that you don’t have as numerous choices as you imagine. I could go into great extent as to how; there be people and movements that are trying to limit your freedom. I could describe how which each passing day and each piece of legislation, we are losing our most basic rights. No corruption, we stand by our word, because I stand on principle not politics and policies. The special interest groups and corporations can’t buy us. We show them for the hypocrites they are. Time and time again and all throughout history both major parties have lied. And more recently, they have tried to cover it up.

As your Governor, I will work determinedly for your right to free speech, religion, redress of grievances. Your right to privacy/be left alone. Your right to keep your property and or business. And more, why? Since it’s under attack by the state and its particular interest groups, lobbyist, corporations and crooked politicians that protect them.

We need to improve the resources to the education scheme; I will do this through supporting and introducing legislation to apportion more money for education and less for other unconstitutional wasteful government programmes. Through better allocation of funding, we can improve our economy, create jobs and reduce taxes.

We have different issues here in Edo State regarding curriculum, funding, infrastructure, etc… that is all topics which relate to education as a whole. I am going to touch on some of those topics and there will be links on the bottom of this page to take you to the information. The bottom line is I support more local control and guidance on our kids education rather than “policy” by the Federal government. I believe in complete and open transparency in all aspects of government. While I myself enjoy my privacy as a citizen, I believe that once you become an elected official, you become an employee of the people.

At this moment in time, before I even take office, I regard myself an open book. There is an artificial obstacle between our elected officials and the people whom they represent. This is something that has to stop and I won’t stand for. I will always try my best to make myself accessible to everyone.

I promise full faith and disclosure in matters related to my job as your representative. I will make my finances public, everything I do and everyone I speak to while in office, public information. I also want you, the people of Edo State   to hold me or whoever is elected, to a higher standard of service. It’s up to you Edo State, not stand for corrupt government officials, who do not act in your best interest.

Today, we have a unique time and opportunity to stand on our feet, to take a stand for accountability and stand for election to be the Representative. Yet, we’re NOT going to stand for an underperforming government we’re NOT going to stand for the status quo of failing academic achievement, unfunded law enforcement, public safety and unclean streets. Most importantly, that we’re NOT going to stand for broken promises, fraudulent elections, and poor representation. When government’s abuse the peoples rights, it undermines the foundation of our liberty. I will never waiver in my support for the rights of our people. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to enter this movement and for all your support. If you have time in the upcoming months to lend us a hand, give me a call at +234 ,9155274557 or email. telawyersdrafts@gmail.com .

 If you can help financially, please send a cheque or donate securely online. I want you and need you to become part of this movement!

Economy
There are workable solutions accessible that can improve our economy. It will require us to make
courageous new steps to progress this great state of ours in order to improve our economy, but we
need to steady the living wage, special tax benefits for small businesses. We are finding it more
and more difficult just to be “Health insured” and to get our medicines that we need to survive. I
will not just say “no” to new taxes but, “LOWER the current taxes and fees!” I support phasing
out the sales and use tax on manufactured spare parts and repairs, which will make our industries
more competitive and allow them to hire more employees. I also support a revision of our
antiquated income tax structure, making it fair and less difficult for the middle-class and people of
Edo state.
There is still much limited public transportation in our state despite every effort made in the
previous year in this area, do not take away our right to drive because of our financial status. Our
jobs are at considerable distances, we have children, nieces, and nephews, who need protection;
sons and daughters, family members, neighbors and friends who need jobs to provide for their
families; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who need their financial and medical needs met;
and all of us need the money that is taken out in taxes to be returned to our pockets.
In order to create good jobs, we must make Edo State more competitive in the global economy.
Edo State currently have problem in Job creation. I am committed to education. I also believe in
accountability for teachers, school administrators and students. Edo State Families have worked
hard, raised their children and paid their taxes. I don’t want to see any of them forced to sell their
homes because they can no longer afford the University school fees. The residents of this Edo
State deserve honest, open, effective government, and a representative who responds to their needs,
not the needs of special interests or party bosses.
I will encourage high wage job growth to allow for our people to achieve economic stability for
their families and the well-being of our state. I will support biotech and alternative energy
industries as a true potential for our state and to alleviate those economic cycles that have so
harmed Edo people in the past few years.
Higher Education:
Most well-paying jobs and challenging careers now require education beyond high school. We
must invest more in our community colleges and in higher education. I have faith in parents who
want a better life for their children. I think we can collaborate to get the job done. A better
education and stronger schools are what we all want, after all who knows better how to achieve it
than you and your neighbors, together we can make this happen. A government that fails to give
its people quality education should prepare itself for an existential crisis.
It is glaring that the Edo State education especially in the rural areas needs an overhaul as it is
grossly underfunded, and the deteriorating infrastructure in schools at all levels across the state
and agitation by University lecturers over poor condition of service is regrettable.
In the last two decades, there has been tumultuous uproar by the civil society over the underfunding
of public schools and the government is nonchalant about a sector that is pivotal to economic
growth. I will seek to secure adequate funding for Edo's schools to allow our children to achieve
their full potential. As Governor, I will work by introducing bills to increase the funding of
Education to 25% benchmark in the yearly state budget.
Natural Resources and states park
All citizens should be able to enjoy our wonderful state parks and natural settings. It nurtures our
soul. We need to protect it. I will work with members of House of Assembly to introduce bills to
this effect. It is simply the right thing to do. Our future depends upon our willingness to care for
our whole community.
Manufacturing and production hubs:
We need manufacturing jobs, we need to create an environment where jobs will thrive, and we
need to stop adding overburdening fees to the process for new business owners making the venture
almost impossible to begin. Let’s help our families by giving them the opportunity to work and be
paid for it. We need to vote in measures that would give incentives to small businesses. I will work
with the House of Assembly members in full support of the Small Business Bill of Rights
(SBBOR). We need to create the enabling environment where business can succeed.
Protecting Our Children:
The safety of our children is very important. The Government have a responsibility to keep their
children safe and provide reforms and effectiveness to the Department of Children and Families.
Children who attend high-quality pre-kindergarten are less likely to become dependent on welfare
and less likely to become involved in juvenile offences.
Protecting Our Elderly:
A large portion of our state have aged people who are supposed to be enjoying their “Golden
years”, Instead they are struggling to keep up with the increasing costs of daily living. Even our
retired people find it difficult to have their daily needs met. As Governor I will work wit members
of the house of assembly to introduce a bill that will take care of the welfare of the aged. Giving
minimum pension to the aged from 65 years and above irrespective of whether or not they have
worked and maximum pension for those who have worked and retired.
Effectiveness of PPP Postal Systems in Edo State.
Postal system should be more effective in each ward in major cities and should have a branch of
post office and each local government should be represented. I will through legal means request a
fiat from the Federal Government to execute the postal service.
Keeping the Natural State natural:
Edo State is blessed with beautiful and abundant mountains, streams, which beckon tourists from
all over the nation. We must be vigilant in protecting these precious resources. Failure to do so
will affect our economy and overall quality of life.
Health Care for all through PPP.
Health care sector regulated by law will be in charge for the protection of the public health as well
as overall health principle and functions as facilitator between the different players in the health
care system, and also as resolution maker and decision-making authority with many competencies
delegated to the constituency or to the social security establishment. I support this innovative
initiative where every constituency in Edo state will have a hospital. People need the insurance, it
reduces uncompensated care, I support rural hospitals, and the premiums are paid to the private
sector or public sector. Public health system in Austria should be a role model I will consult
expertise from Republic of Austria to assist in developing this system.