Julius OkorieSenator Monday Okpebholo has been sworn-in as the 6th elected Governor of Edo State. Okpebholo who emerged on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) takes over from Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose Deputy, Philip Shuaibu, decamped to the APC even before the final dance of their administration.
Senator Okpebholo, nicknamed Akpakomiza, it will be recalled defeated the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, and that of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata in the September 21st 2024, Governorship election.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAmong dignitaries that graced the swearing in ceremony in Benin include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo and a former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole who worked tirelessly to ensure that Obaseki and company were ‘chased out of town.’
The ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched the ticket to the Dennis Osadebay House.
There are divided opinions over whether or not Monday Okpebholo who interestingly has been sworn in on Tuesday (today) will and can deliver.
If however the qualities of his nickname Akpakomiza explained to be a Hyena in Esan and Benin languages is anything to go by, then those who voted him into power and indeed all Edolites can be rest assured that he will take them to the next level.
READ ALSO:Senate President, Others Hit Cloud 9 Over Monday Okpebholo’s Victory
A look at the personality traits of the Hyena indicate that it is rated generally with high reliability, Assertiveness, Excitability, Human-Directed Agreeableness, Sociability, and Curiosity among other qualities. There is no doubt that if these qualities are brought to bear in the governance of the state will definitely result in the much expected progress.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, in his last address to the state thanked the people for giving him the opportunity to serve, describing governance of the state as a daunting task.
“When I assumed office as governor of Edo State in 2016, we were confronted with a choice of either to continue with the old order of administering the state or to undertake a new trajectory to grow and develop our state. We chose the latter pathway, even though we were aware of the dangers associated with such a choice.
”Today, the extent and range of reforms in infrastructure, the economy, building the institutions of state and service improvement to citizens are proof of the fact that though we took a road less traveled, we have indeed made Edo a leading state in Nigeria.
”Let me at this juncture So thank the good people of Edo State for standing firmly behind our government, even as we embarked on a very radical transformation of governance and politics in a manner they had never anticipated. When we came into office in 2016, it was clear that the social, economic and political structures of Edo State were weak and needed to be fixed”
Stopping short of submitting that darkness has taken over light Obaseki who some suspect have already jetted out of the country added
“We have demonstrated that it is possible to change the circumstances of our state. Unfortunately, recent events and the conduct of certain elements in our democratic space have shown us that the light which democracy and good governance beams can be dimmed. However, it can only be for a while.
I fervently believe that any attempt to foist illegality and injustice on a democratic system cannot endure, because the wish of the majority will always prevail. So, my dear people of Edo State, let us be hopeful and stay strong.”
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
