Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo, urges swift action for Edo’s growth

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of Edo State.

Tinubu conveyed his felicitations through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu Congratulates Senator Okpebholo on Edo Governorship Inauguration.’

In his message, Tinubu urged Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Reflecting on the transition, Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

“The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance,” the statement read.

Expressing concerns, Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

Additionally, Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

At the inauguration ceremony, the President declared a new chapter in Edo State’s history with the triumph of democratic values.

As Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the nation’s most challenging economic period was now behind them.

In his address, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrated what he termed “democracy in its truest form,” stressing the significance of the popular will in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

“This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people.

“This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow, is what democracy sounds like,” the President declared.

He also spoke optimistically about the nation’s economic trajectory, saying Nigeria has already overcome its most challenging period.

“We have weathered the hardest days as a nation.

“We have pulled back from the brink of economic collapse, and now we step forward into a time of growth,” he stated.

Tinubu called for immediate reconciliation to address potential post-election differences in the state, noting that, “while some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them.”

The President particularly emphasised the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting, “Over 25 years into our return to democracy, we have evolved, and today’s inauguration is yet another testimony that no individual vote holds more worth than another.”

Speaking on leadership qualities, Tinubu offered a pointed observation: “It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of problems they inherit.

“However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to confront them.”

The new administration’s mandate, according to the President, extends beyond partisan considerations.

“Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to build the Edo State you envision—a place where jobs are plentiful, where education is accessible and strong, where infrastructure is modern, and where healthcare is within reach for every citizen,” he affirmed.

Linking state-level governance to the broader national economic ambition of his administration, he said, “When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would demand serious reform—reform to stave off looming fiscal and monetary threats to the stability of this great nation.”

“No political party has managed its own affairs with greater unity and purpose than the APC since we took charge,” he added.

The President called the transition in Edo State a “covenant of hope,” positioning the state as important to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth trajectory.

Earlier in his inauguration speech, Okpebholo thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming show of trust and pledged never to betray it.

“You voted overwhelmingly for me, and I promise not to betray this trust,” he stated, pointing out that the new state administration would focus on achieving rapid development and economic growth.

Okpebholo promised to implement a five-point agenda prioritising health, security of lives and prosperity, education, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

“Edo shall rise again. My administration is committed to fixing the roads across our dear state to make them motorable once more.

“We will ensure that our communities currently without electricity are connected to the national grid and illuminated,” he said.

The Governor affirmed that small business owners would be empowered to stimulate socio-economic growth, assuring the state’s youth that they would not be forgotten, as they would be empowered to address the issue of unemployment.

“We shall provide soft loans to our market women to boost their trade,” he added.

He further assured state civil servants and the judiciary of a brighter future, pledging increased respect for traditional institutions.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony included Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum/Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassy Otu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among many others.