President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a new chapter in the history of Edo State with the victory of democratic values as Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa was sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that the country's most challenging economic period is now behind them.
Okpebholo thanked the people of Edo State for their tremendous trust and vowed never to betray.
The Governor, who announced his first appointments, also unveiled a five-point agenda for the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrated “democracy in its true form”, stressing the importance of popular will in shaping Nigeria's political landscape.
He said, “This atmosphere of happiness and hope resonates with the voices of the people. This jubilation, this loud call for a brighter tomorrow, feels like democracy.”
He was optimistic about the country's economic progress and said Nigeria had already recovered from its most challenging period.
The President said, “As a nation we have seen the toughest days. We have come back from the brink of economic collapse and are now moving forward in a period of growth.
Tinubu called for reconciliation to resolve possible differences after the elections in Edo State, saying, “Although some may try to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, it is the duty of every elected leader who Applies to everyone, including those who can do it.” “Who voted differently or who ran against him.”
He particularly emphasized the evolution of Nigeria's democratic journey, saying, “In the 25 years since the return to democracy, we have evolved, and today's inauguration is further proof that no individual vote is more valuable than another. “
Talking about leadership qualities, he said, “It is often said that an honest leader quickly understands the problems he inherits. However, what really defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the honesty and courage to face them.
According to the President, the mandate of the new administration transcends partisan considerations.
He affirmed, “Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to building the Edo State that you envision: a place where jobs are abundant, where education is accessible and robust, where infrastructure is modern and where Health care should be within the reach of every citizen.”
Linking state-level governance to his administration's broader national economic ambitions, Tinubu said, “When we took office, we knew that serious reforms would be required to secure the future of our economy – for sustainability Reforms to address emerging fiscal and monetary threats to this great nation.
“No political party has managed its affairs with more unity and purpose than the APC since we took office.”
The President called the transformation in Edo State a “covenant of hope” and described the state as crucial to Nigeria's economic recovery and development trajectory.
In a communiqué by Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bio Onanuga, the President urged Okpebholo to work diligently to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make significant impact during his tenure.
Reflecting on the change, Tinubu said that after eight years under the administration of Godwin Obaseki, Edo State was rejoining the ranks of the APC.
He stressed the need for Okpebholo to justify the confidence placed in him and the APC by promoting true democracy and effective governance in the state.
The President encouraged Okpebholo to strengthen the legislature and other key government institutions throughout his administration, stressing that a strong and independent legislature is essential to achieving democratic good governance.
Tinubu lamented the previous administration's efforts to weaken the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for most of its tenure.
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo State governorship election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo State election scheduled for Saturday, November 16.
The President celebrated the transition as a milestone and a new chapter in Edo's democratic journey, and rejoiced with the people of the state for this momentous occasion.
Earlier, Okpebholo thanked the people of the state for their tremendous trust and promised to never let them down.
“You voted for me overwhelmingly and I promise not to betray this trust,” he said. He said the new administration will focus on achieving rapid growth and economic development.
Okpebholo promised to implement a five-point agenda prioritizing health, security of life and prosperity, education, economic growth and infrastructure development.
“Edo will rise again,” he said. My Administration is committed to fixing the roads in our beloved state to make them motorable once again. We will ensure that our communities currently without electricity are connected to the national grid and illuminated.”
He affirmed that small business owners will be empowered to encourage socio-economic development, assuring the youth of the state that they will not be forgotten, as they will be empowered to address the issue of unemployment.
“We will provide our market women with easy loans to boost their businesses,” Okpebholo said.
He assured the state's civil servants and judiciary of a bright future, and promised to increase respect for traditional institutions.
In one of his first appointments, Okpebholo nominated Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, son of former state governor, now senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as commissioner-designate for health.
He also announced the nomination of Dr. Samson Osagie, a former member of the House of Representatives, as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; and Mr. Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the nomination would be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly if referred by the Governor.
Revealing his five-point agenda, which includes security, infrastructure, health care, food sufficiency and education as his priorities, he declared war against criminals.
The Governor declared, “The welfare of our citizens is our top priority. To achieve this, we will carefully implement the programs outlined in our five-point agenda, designed to drive strong economic growth and improve the lives of our people.
Expressing sadness over the persistent cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes, Okpebholo said his administration would remain determined to tackle criminals and improve the security of Edo State.
“For too long, our people have been victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he said. To end this bad situation, we will deal harshly with criminals and improve the security of our lands so that farming and other commercial activities can flourish again.
On road construction and infrastructure development, Okpebholo said, “The poor condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to travel from one part of the state to another.
“Our policy to develop road infrastructure aims to build roads, drainage and bridges to make transportation easier for all. We will immediately start work to make the roads passable again.”
Okpebholo also said his administration is ready to support small businesses and provide easy loans to women.
“We are also ready to partner with the federal government, private sector, NGOs, diaspora and other stakeholders to develop our state in all sectors,” he said.
“Our teeming youth population will not be abandoned. We will support them in acquiring relevant skills for self-empowerment. My administration will take immediate action to recruit teachers and rebuild deteriorating classrooms. Tertiary education will also be strengthened in several ways to ensure quality education.
“Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to connect communities that are not yet connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity.
“Our traditional institution will be given the necessary support to play its role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.
“This is in recognition that my Administration will support the decision of the Federal Government to retain the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts which were looted by British colonial forces during the Benin Genocide of 1897. “
sanwo-olu congratulations okpebholo
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday congratulated Okpebholo on his swearing-in, describing his assumption of office as the beginning of a new chapter in Edo State.
Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, urged the people of Edo State, both domestic and in the diaspora, to unite with the new governor for the development of the state.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu wished Okpebholo and his deputy, Idahosa, a very successful tenure.
He said, “Given his track record, I am confident that Governor Okpebholo will justify the confidence reposed in him by the great people of Edo State with superior performance in office, and I wish him a very successful tenure.
“I believe that Governor Okpebholo has the heart to transform Edo State. “He has the heart to touch people’s lives and make life meaningful for the people of Edo State.”
Daisy Elumoye, Segun James and Adibe Emenyonu
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