By Seyi Odewale and Cross Udo
Yesterday was a new day for the people of Edo State, as Senator Monday Okpebholo was inaugurated as the state’s governor.
His swearing-in marked the end of Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year stint as governor of the state.
Okpebholo defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, in the keenly contested election on September 21.
The APC candidate polled 291,667 against his main rival’s score of 247,274 votes, while Labour Party (LP) ‘s Olumide Akpata came a distant third with 22,763 votes in the polls contested by fourteen candidates.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched the ticket to the Dennis Osadebey House.
Okpebholo took his oath of office alongside his running mate Dennis Idahosa at 12:55 pm and then rode in an open van around the stadium, waving to cheers from supporters.
In his inaugural address, Okpebholo thanked the people of Edo State for their support in his emergence as Governor and described it as the triumph of democracy.
“Let me start by thanking God for His grace and incredible blessings. Democracy has triumphed again in our dear state,” the Governor said.
“For me, this is a humbling moment made possible by you all,” he said, adding, “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, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The welfare of our citizens is a top priority to us.”
He promised to strengthen the state’s security, link communities together by road, and support small businesses to boost the economy.
“Today, you have officially given me the mandate to preside over our dear State as Governor for the next four years,” Okpebholo said during his swearing-in.
“We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa.”
He promised to make “the welfare of our citizens a top priority for us” and to prioritize supporting small businesses.
The new Governor decried the state of the roads and the level of insecurity, which he described as ‘ugly.”
But he vowed to “be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.
“The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the State to another.”
*Work for Edo people, Tinubu charges govs; VP, Dep. Sen President, Kalu, Ganduje, Oshiomhole, govs grace event
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has advised the new Governor of Edo State to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.
Tinubu also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the State.
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, contained the President’s admonition and felicitations.
The statement said, “In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.”
Following the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ‘s declaration in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki.
Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is re-joining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.
He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.
According to the statement, “The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.
“Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.
“Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.”
It added that” the President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.”
Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima said he is optimistic about Okpebholo’s ability to transform the state.
In his address at the governor’s swearing-in ceremony in Benin, Shettima emphasised the significance of the people’s mandate and the shared vision for a prosperous Edo.
“The election of Senator Okpebholo and Deputy Idahosa is not just an individual victory but a powerful endorsement of collective will and a hallmark of democracy,” Shettima said.
The vice president underscored the importance of shared responsibility in governance, saying the inauguration signified that no individual could dominate the path forward.
According to Shettima, although leadership brings its share of challenges, it also offers the unique opportunity to drive development and dismantle obstacles that hinder progress.
He commended the newly elected leaders’ character and determination, asserting that Edo’s choice was an affirmation of integrity and competence.
“Edo State has chosen leaders with character and a record of results. Senator Okpebholo and his Deputy Idahosa embody a commitment to overcome inherited challenges not with fear but with courage and a focus on the common good for all Edo people, supporters and opponents alike,” he said.
Shettima stated that the incoming administration was poised to enact meaningful changes and build a resilient economy that aligned with the people’s aspirations.
The vice president also addressed the economic landscape, justifying the current economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
He says the reforms are meant to enhance Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary stability.
“We have embarked on these reforms to create a strong foundation for new opportunities. Only leaders of integrity can fully harness these reforms for the country’s benefit,” Shettima said.
He applauded Okpebholo’s commitment to transforming Edo into a state where jobs would be abundant, education accessible, healthcare within reach, and a resilient infrastructure.
The vice president expressed pride in the leaders chosen by Edo’s citizens and urged them to remain steadfast in their dedication to serving the people.
Dignitaries in attendance included the chair of the governors’ forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and Philip Shaibu, outgone Edo’s reinstated deputy governor.
Governors from across the APC spectrum also joined the celebration, demonstrating strong party unity and support.
