…pledges to prioritise workers’ welfare, give soft loans to businesses
…to recruit teachers, improve schools’ infrastructure
…connect yet-to-be-connected communities to national grid
…sets up panel to investigate denial to swear in 14 EDHA members in 2019
Senator Monday Okpebholo was on Tuesday sworn in as the fifth Executive Governor of Edo State, pledging that his administration would prioritise the welfare of civil and public servants in the state.
Governor Okpebholo, who took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office accompanied by his two daughters, thanked God and the people of Edo State for their trust, saying, “Democracy has triumphed.”
He said his administration will set up a panel of enquiry into the incident that took place in the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) on June 17th, 2019 where 14 members were denied inauguration as members of the House.
Okpebholo said his administration will work closely with the judiciary to strengthen the sector to administer justice freely, urging the Chief Judge to look into the past administration’s refusal to swear in three judges.
The Governor assured communities in Edo State that are yet to be connected to the national grid that his administration will ensure they are connected and ensure they enjoy stable power supply.
Okpebholo assured the people of Edo State that his administration will further strengthen the education system in the state as more teachers will be recruited into the system and the deplorable state of the classrooms will be addressed.
“I thank God Almighty for His blessings as democracy has triumphed in Edo State. This is a happy moment made possible by Edo people,” Okpebholo said.
“I thank you for your peaceful conduct at the 21st of September 2024 governorship election.
“Today, you have officially given me your mandate, to preside over our dear State as Governor for the next four years. We will not betray the confidence reposed in us as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively. The welfare of our citizens is a top priority for our administration.
“To achieve this we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five points agenda designed to grow a robust economic growth and to improve the lives of our people.
“They are security, infrastructural and roads development, affordable healthcare, water and food sufficiency and value-driven education across the State,” he said.
the governor said that for a long time Edo people have suffered from kidnapping and other violent crimes and to end this ugly situation, his administration will deal with criminals and also improve the security situation to enable businesses flourish again.
“The deplorable situation of our roads have made it difficult for people to move from one part of the State to another. Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at developing roads, drainages and bridges to ease transportation for all. We shall immediately commence work to make the roads motorable again,” Okpebholo said.
“We are ready to partner with the Federal government, the private sector, none governmental organizations, those in Diaspora and stakeholders to develop the State across all sectors.
“My administration shall support market women, small businesses with soft loans. Our teeming youths will not be left out of our plans to develop the State. We shall support them to acquire relevant skills for self empowerment.
“My administration will immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and build the deplorable classrooms, as my administration will ensure and strengthen education in the State.
“My administration is ready to connect community not yet connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity.
“Our traditional institutions will be given the necessary support to play their roles as custodian of our rich cultural heritage. It’s 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 Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial masaca of 1897.
“To the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) our people have tasked us to work together for the common good of all and my administration is ready to work with you to strengthen the institutions of governance for accelerated development.
“Recall that on the 17th of June 2019, 14 members of EDHA were denied inauguration into the 7th Assembly, it was a big blow to democracy. My administration is setting up an enquiry to investigate the remote cause of the incident.
“The judiciary arm of government shall be strengthened promptly. The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear in the three judges recommended by the Judicial Council is indeed regrettable. The Chief Judge should look into this and take necessary action without delay.
“I want to thank members of the Edo State Civil and Public Service for their continuous contributions to the development of Edo State, your welfare shall be topmost in my agenda as meaningful reforms shall be initiated to ensure innovation, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption in the Civil Service. I recognize the task ahead but with God’s guidance we shall prevail,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kassim Shettima, said the swearing-in ceremony is victory for democracy and a call for a brighter tomorrow for Edo people.
He said the gathering was as a result of the voice of Edo people who have spoken through their votes, showing the future desire for the state.
He noted that the election of Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa is not the making of one man but that of Edo people as the event today shows the victory of Edo people.
“The people of Edo State have put their trust in the Governor and the Deputy Governor as people who have demonstrated true characters of leaders.
“We are ready to lead, that is why we are here and the people recognize our leadership abilities as we are ready to make a difference.
“Sen. Okpebholo is committed to build a great State, he has the vision to bring hope to Edo people. Edo people have elected a leader who knows and respect the needs of the people,” Shettima said.
