The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, have been sworn-in for a second term in office, with the governor committing to deepening reforms and diversifying the state’s economy to consolidate on progress recorded in his first term in office.
The inauguration, which held at the Tennis Court of the reconstructed Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, had in attendance President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Edobor Iyamu and Governors of Sokoto, Delta and Bayelsa States, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Duoye Diri respectively.
Others present include National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus; Vice Chairman of PDP South-south, Chief Dan Orbih; former Minister of Works, Mike Onolememe; Speaker Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Marcus Onobun; Chief Judge of Edo State, Esther Edigin and the Commissioner of Police Edo State, Johnson Kokumo, among others.
Governor Obaseki said his victory in the September 19 governorship election is a testimony to the “awesome power of God Almighty and the indomitable will and determination of the great people of Edo State.”
According to him, “The good people of Edo State spoke unequivocally through the ballot on September 19th and have entrusted us with the task of steering our state for another four years.”
“I am encouraged by the trust you have bestowed on us and grateful for your belief in my leadership and my capacity to continue piloting the affairs of this great state.”
The governor said that his re-election marks a restoration of hope in democracy in Nigeria and across the globe in the face of unprecedented challenges that have beset the world.
“The world is currently going through unprecedented challenges, which is taking its toll on our collective wellbeing and demanding so much from the socio-economic and political structures that hold us together.”
“We are battling a rampaging pandemic, COVID-19, which has claimed more than one million lives globally. It has shut down the economies of world superpowers, overwhelmed some of the best healthcare systems and has redefined the way we work, live and relate as human beings.”
“On the other hand, democracy and participatory government, is facing a crisis of confidence locally and globally. We are compelled, now and again, to reassess our choices in the light of the unfolding intrigues, paradoxes and conflicts that have come to characterize our political reality as people in the free world.”
“As a result, the liberties, which democracy offers and which generations have taken for granted, are now being questioned. These have caused many to reevaluate the capacity of democracy to regulate the affairs of men and deliver freedom, equality and good governance.”
“It is therefore gratifying that Edo is taking the lead in this onerous task of restoring faith in democracy in Nigeria and the entire globe.”
Noting that his second term was a time to heal and develop a template to foster inclusive growth and development, he said, “This is the time to heal”.
“We are kith and kin with a common destiny. Let us now stop dwelling on the past. It is now time to take our collective destinies in our own hands as Edo people and commence the arduous task of Making Edo Great Again (MEGA).”
He added that it was pertinent to rekindle the social contract between the government and the people, noting that it would require trust and reciprocity between government and the people to solve society’s problems.
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