By Augustine Akhilomen
…Welfare Of My Citizens A Top Priority, Says Okpebholo
..Vows To Reposition Economy, Strenghten Security Of The State
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun and other governors were in attendance as Senator Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as Edo State governor on Tuesday.
Sen. Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Asue Ighodalo, and that of the Labour Party Barr. Olumide Akpata, in the September 21 governorship election.
Okpebholo and his deputy governor, Hon. Denise Idahosa were sworn-in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice, Daniel Okongbowa.
Shettima led the Federal Government delegation to the inauguration and was joined by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC governors included Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), and Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto).
National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, and one of his predecessors, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, were also part of the ceremony, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
In his inaugural address, Okpebholo thanked the people of Edo State for their support in his emergence as governor, describing it as the triumph of democracy.
“Let me start by thanking God for His grace and incredible blessings. Democracy has triumphed again in our dear state,” the governor said.
“For me, this is a humbling moment made possible by you all,” he said, adding, “Today, you have officially given me the mandate to preside over our dear state as governor for the next four years. We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the deputy governor Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The welfare of our citizens is a top priority to us.”
He promised to strengthen the security of the state, link communities together by road, and support small businesses to boost the economy.
Amidst heavy crowd and security presence, Okpebholo, accompanied by his two daughters, took the oath of office and allegiance at 1:00p.m administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
Earlier, Dennis Idahosa, accompanied by his wife, had mounted the podium to take the oath as the Deputy Governor of the state.
The governor later went ahead to inspect the guard of honour as well as parade by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police.