The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, swore in five Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and18 Special Assistants (SAs) in Ovia North East Local Government Area (LGA), following harmonization by leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) in the LGA.
Obaseki, at the swearing-in of the new aides, commended party leaders in the council for their political sagacity and for organising the party in the LGA.
According to him, “I am very glad that some of you have been able to come to the table; it’s that spirit that has helped us resolve the issue of harmonization in Ovia North East, which led to these appointments. Some local governments have not been able to resolve their issues.
“I want to thank you, my leaders, for supporting your government. What you have done today tells me that we have now harmonized the PDP in Ovia; we can now march forward to recruit people into our party.”
“It is only the PDP that can save Nigeria, but a divided PDP cannot save Nigeria. We are changing the face of politics,” he noted.
Charging the new appointees on service to Edo people, Obaseki stated, “For the Special Assistants and my Senior Special Assistants, this job is not a privilege, it is not a gift. Your leader sat down and examined every one of you; they looked at your history and what you have done in your ward and your local government.
“They said to me that these are the people we trust that can work with you to help and assist you run your government. The day I find out that you are not in your council helping your people, that day I will remove you. I didn’t appoint you to come and stay in Benin.”
He added: “As SAs, you must be in your ward. I must get a report from you on what is going on in your locality. Government must be responsible to the people. Even if we are playing politics, this politics must lead to development; we have to go and get more members.
“About 50 percent of our population are women, so we need more women and youths participating in politics. Please give them a chance; that is my appeal to our leaders.”
Speaking on behalf of the political appointees, Mr. Ighodaro Oghionmwan, thanked the governor for finding them worthy, promising that they would not disappoint him and Edo people.
