President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the new governor of Edo State, marking a significant political transition after the All Progressives Congress (APC) regained control of the state. The President, in a message delivered on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, urged the newly sworn-in governor to prioritise development initiatives aimed at boosting the living standards of the people of Edo State.
In the statement titled President Tinubu Congratulates Senator Okpebholo on Edo Governorship Inauguration, Tinubu expressed his optimism about Okpebholo’s potential to lead a transformative administration. He commended the governor’s victory in the state election held on September 21, 2024, and noted the significance of the APC’s return to power in Edo after eight years under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s leadership.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of a balanced and transparent government, urging Okpebholo to strengthen the role of the legislature. He highlighted the need for an empowered and independent legislative branch to ensure effective governance, a nod towards the issues faced during Obaseki’s administration, where legislative relations were often strained. The President called for a collaborative approach that involves all arms of government, noting that strong institutional support is key to fulfilling the democratic mandate.
The President also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a credible election in Edo State. Tinubu’s praise extended to the peaceful atmosphere of the electoral process, as he acknowledged the efforts of INEC and security agencies in ensuring a fair outcome. He expressed confidence in INEC’s capability to replicate this success in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony, delivered a speech underscoring the triumph of democracy in Edo. He characterised the inauguration as a new chapter in the state’s political history and reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999. Shettima emphasized that every vote counts equally, regardless of political affiliations, highlighting the evolution of the country’s democratic processes over the past 25 years.
Tinubu also used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s broader economic situation, asserting that the nation had weathered its most challenging economic period. He expressed optimism about a new phase of growth and stability, suggesting that recent reforms have set the stage for a brighter economic future. This message comes as part of the federal government’s broader effort to reassure Nigerians about the current administration’s economic policies and their potential to spur development.
In his inaugural address, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State for their overwhelming support. He promised not to betray their trust, committing himself to a five-point agenda focused on health, security, education, economic growth, and infrastructure development. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services, boosting security, and enhancing educational standards across the state.
Okpebholo specifically pledged to tackle the infrastructure deficit in Edo State, vowing to make the state’s roads motorable again and to address the lack of electricity in many communities by ensuring they are connected to the national grid. He also highlighted his plans to support small business owners and market women through the provision of soft loans to stimulate economic growth. The governor assured the youth of Edo that his administration would focus on creating job opportunities and addressing the high unemployment rate, pledging targeted empowerment programs to lift them out of poverty.
Addressing potential post-election disputes, President Tinubu called for immediate reconciliation, urging all stakeholders in the state to work together for the common good. He stressed the importance of unity, noting that the responsibility of elected leaders extends beyond their supporters to all constituents, including those who did not vote for them. Tinubu’s call for harmony is a strategic move aimed at stabilising the political environment in Edo, which has seen heightened tensions in the past.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Benin City, saw the attendance of numerous dignitaries, reflecting the high political stakes and interest in Edo’s political transition. Notable attendees included the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State. Governors from across the country, including those of Imo, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos States, were also present, underscoring the significance of the event to the APC’s broader strategy of consolidating power in key states.
In his concluding remarks, Tinubu spoke about the legacy of leadership, noting that true leaders are not defined by the challenges they inherit but by their courage to confront and resolve them. He urged Governor Okpebholo to lead with honesty and integrity, stressing the importance of a leadership style that focuses on practical solutions to the state’s pressing issues.
The President linked Edo State’s development to the broader economic objectives of his administration, pointing out that successful governance at the state level contributes to national progress. He reiterated the APC’s commitment to unity and purpose in governance, describing the party’s achievements as a “covenant of hope” for the future. Tinubu called on Okpebholo to build a state that meets the aspirations of its people, one where job creation, quality education, and accessible healthcare are priorities.
Governor Okpebholo, alongside his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, begins their administration with a focus on addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Edo State. His vision for an inclusive government that respects traditional institutions and supports civil servants sets a tone for his tenure.
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