Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday at the New Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin, inaugurated appointees.
He promised to chase criminals out of the state and restore peace.
Okpebholo said under his watch, criminals would not be allowed to operate.
Emmanuel Okoebor stepped in as commissioner for Finance, Paddy Iyamu as chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and a retired commissioner of police, Friday Ibadin, as coordinator, Edo Security Network.
The governor advised the appointees to use their positions to uplift the state.
Okpebholo praised the appointees’ hard work and dedication, enjoining them to reposition education, strengthen security and enhance the treasury to develop Edo State and make it a better place for all.
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He said: “You know why you are here, and the task ahead of you. You have to use your position to reposition Edo. The state should come first in all you do, before your personal goals.
“In terms of education, it was trust that enabled you get to that position, and I believe in your ability and capacity to deliver. With hard work, I believe you will rebuild our educational system.
“You have been doing this with your money, but now is the time to use the resources of the state to move the education sector forward. When we say a new Edo is rising, this is the time to show it.
“I believe retired CP Ibadin is not a pushover in terms of securing Edo people. It is time to pursue criminals and send them out of our land.”
The governor said Okoebor was not a novice in finance, adding that he was experienced in the banking sector.
He advised him to use the experience to salvage the state’s treasury.
He said: “You have been in the banking sector and have the experience. You know the job; we did not pick you from the street. You need to bring the experience to bear, to save our land and money, so we can use the money to develop Edo State.”
The finance commissioner, who spoke on behalf of others, assured Okpebholo that they were committed to assisting him in realising his five-point development agenda.
The 24 members of House of Assembly at last Monday’s plenary cleared the appointees after the adoption of the report of its Committee on Rules and Business.