• Governor to probe exclusion of lawmakers
• Restores Oba of Benin as custodian of returned artefact
• Osagie, Dr. Oshiomhole nominated as commissioners
Democracy is the best opportunity to elect leaders as demonstrated by Edo people, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said yesterday.
He spoke at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City where Senator Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as Edo State governor.
Mr. Dennis Idahosa also took office as deputy governor at the event conducted before a parked arena.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, led the dignitaries, which included governors, federal and states lawmakers, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and all categories of leaders and leading lights of Edo State.
The President urged Okpebholo to stay focused and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
He also advised him to treat lawmakers and the legislative arm of government with dignity and respect.
The President said: “A strong and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.”
For the best part of his tenure, immediate past Governor Godwin Obaseki declined to inaugurate many members of the House of Assembly.
The President added: “Democracy gives the people an opportunity to express their wishes and make decisions.
“Today, we gather to celebrate democracy in its truest form.
“This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow, is what democracy sounds like. This gathering is proudly sponsored by the will of the people, and no barrier is strong enough to stop the force of those who have chosen their leaders from among a multitude of options.
“While some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them.
“The election of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa as Governor and Deputy Governor is not the victory of one man but the achievement of an entire state – a powerful endorsement of your collective will.
“This is what democracy means: every vote holding equal weight, every voice contributing to a choice made with trust and vision.
“It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of problems they inherit. However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to confront them.
“When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would demand serious reform—reform to stave off looming fiscal and monetary threats to the stability of this great nation.
“Today, we seek leaders of integrity who will use this foundation to benefit the people. I am proud that Edo State has chosen such men to lead the charge forward.
“I call on you to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a meaningful impact during your tenure.
“This is a historic return of Edo State to APC governance. The administration must justify the confidence placed in him and the APC by fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.
“Attempts to undermine the legislative branch have hampered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.
“INEC has proven its commitment to democracy, and I urge them to strive for even greater excellence in the Ondo election”.
Okpebholo, Idahosa take offices
There was jubilation as the governor and his deputy, one after the other, took the oath of office and oath of allegiance before Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa.
The oath taking was followed immediately by the signing of the Inauguration document.
Okpebholo was accompanied to the podium by two of his daughters.
He looked resplendent in his suit, white shirt and a red tie.
Unfolding his plans for the state, the governor pledged to serve with diligence, assuring that his administration will not disappoint voters.
Okpebholo also promised to investigate the non-inauguration of 14 APC lawmakers in the 7th Edo State House of Assembly when his predecessor, Obaseki, was in the saddle.
After the ceremony, the governor hit the ground running. He appointed Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and nominated former House of Representatives members Samson Osagie as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Dr Cyril Oshiomhole as Health Commissioner.
The nomination of both will be sent to the House of Assembly.
Twenty-four hours to his inauguration Okpebholo appointed Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary.
The stadium was filled to the brim. The inauguration was witnessed by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Bassey Otu (Cross River), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), and Hope Uzodimma (Imo).
Also at the ceremony were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku; and Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe.
‘I wont betray Edo people’
Savouring the joy of victory, Okpebholo said Edo would rise again and enjoy the fruits of good governance in health, education, infrastructural development and democratic reforms.
The governor said he and his team would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
Okpebholo said: “Today, you have officially given me the mandate to preside over our dear state, as governor, for the next four years. We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor.
“The welfare of our citizens is top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes, carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow a robust economy and improve the lives of our people.
“They are security, infrastructure and road development, affordable healthcare, water and food sufficiency, and value-driven education across the state.”
Okpebholo said his administration would enhance security and drive out criminals from the state so that farming and other business activities could flourish.
He also promised to tackle the infrastructure challenge, saying: “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another.
“Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages and bridges, to ease transportation for all. We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again.”
Okpebholo said his administration would partner with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, the Diaspora, and other stakeholders, to the state.
He added: “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.
“It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted by British colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897.”
Okpebholo, who promised to strengthen the institutions of governance and foster separation of powers, maintained that past injustices would be addressed.
He said: “On 17th June, 2019, 14 elected members of Edo State House of Assembly were denied inauguration into the 7th Assembly. It was a big blow to our democracy.
“My administration is setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the remote causes of that incident, so as to avoid future occurrence. This is very imperative because the legislative arm of government is an essential component for the sustenance of democracy.”
Okpebholo added: “The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear-in three judges recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) is indeed regrettable. The Chief Judge will look into this and take necessary actions without delay.”
It is time for governance, says Shettima
Shettima said politics was over in Edo, adding that it is time for governance and spreading the dividends of democracy to the people.
He said: “Election brings joy and also brings the moment of diligence, in the face of obstacles on the way, that a leader must overcome, in order to bring dividends to the people.
“Now, election is over, and all that will hinder development and dividends of democracy must be dismantled, after the will of the people has been expressed.”
The vice president said the inauguration of Okpebholo was a testimony that no individual could hold the world more than the other.
He said: “An honest leader is quick to see the problems inherited. What truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of the problems, but the sincerity and the courage to confront them. It is not fear that will shape Edo state, but our commitment to the common good of the people, both the supporters and opponents.
“Though it may seem daunting to take the risk of power in this challenging time, I assure you that this is the best moment for one to serve his people. At this moment, the people demand for true governance is stronger than before.
“The people of Edo State have placed their trust in Senator Okpebholo and his deputy, Idahosa, who have demonstrated character and results.”
