…says Obaseki a trailblazer, commends inclusive style of governance
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and former Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Chief Taiwo Akerele has commended the choice of 38-year-old Marvellous Omobayo Godwins as the State’s Deputy Governor, hailing Governor Obaseki for giving minorities and marginalised communities a place of pride in his government.
Akerele who recalled how the governor made history by appointing him his first Chief of Staff in 2016 at the age of 39, said his appointment was the first of such from Edo North Senatorial District since Nigeria returned to democracy.
While describing Governor Obaseki as a trailblazer, the APC chieftain acknowledged the governor for recognising minorities and giving them a place of pride, noting that history will be kind to him.
According to him, “This week, history was made in Edo State when a young man of 38 years was inaugurated as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, from Ikpeshi, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
“Recall that in November 2016, history was made when His Excellency Godwin Obaseki appointed the then 39-year-old Taiwo Akerele from Igarra Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area as his first Chief of Staff, the first of such appointment from Edo North since Nigeria returned to democracy.”
He noted, “I disagree with His Excellency on so many issues around his approach to governance and management of political issues but when it comes to the recognition of minorities and giving them a pride of place, I give it to him, he is a trailblazer. History will be kind to him on this front.”
While congratulating the new deputy governor and charging him not to betray the trust reposed in him, the APC chieftain stated, “On behalf of myself and my immediate family and Igarra Community as a whole, I wholeheartedly congratulate my younger brother, Mr. Marvelous Omobayo on his assumption of office as Deputy Governor of Edo State. Please, make the youths proud with your performance and commitment to serve the people even more with your energy and resilience.”
Akerele added, “The minorities in Nigeria have a voice and they have significant influence in determining political direction in a democracy.”
