Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
Following the just concluded local government election in Edo State, which conferred victory on the chairmanship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the 18 local government areas of the state, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday September 4, 2023, swore in the 18 local government council chairmen who were declared winners by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, the Governor appreciated the electorate for their support and faith in his administration, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to prioritising their interest in furtherance of the Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) agenda.
According to Obaseki, “You will all agree with me that the local government is perhaps, one of the foundations on which our democracy rests, and therefore, this very important tier of government must be strengthened.
“I am thrilled at the quality of people that we as a party have selected, and have been elected by our people to serve as our local government chairmen. I have worked with every one of them here, and I know their capacity. I have no doubt in my mind that they have the capacity and what it takes to take our state to where it should be.
“These are the people who have the responsibility to help us deal with and bring development to our people at the grass root level.”
In his charge to the newly sworn-in council chairmen, Obaseki admonished them not to let down the confidence reposed in them by the people: Obaseki noted: “Do not let the people down. They are the ones who have made it possible for you to be sworn in today. They must be your first priority.
“Gone are the days where we just elect people who can barely read or write to become local government chairmen. You possess the requisite educational background in addition to the experience which most of you have garnered in the course of life. Therefore, this mandate which you have been given requires that you must now throw in everything you have to make a difference.”
The Governor noted that his administration is moving the state into a 4th industrial era, connecting all the local governments with fibre optics and moving government to a digital platform. As such, he charged the newly sworn in chairmen to facilitate members of their localities to catch up with the ongoing digital revolution in the state.
“Now is the time to show innovation. I expect you to be creative and focus on the key policies and programmes that are most important to us at this time”, Obaseki said. The Governor further highlighted areas of priority for the state, while charging the council chairmen to partner with his administration.
Decrying the deplorable state of federal roads in the state, the Governor said: “The federal government as you know today, lacks the capacity to manage itself, not to talk about building its roads. So it will take a while, if ever, for them to be able to build those roads. But fortunately, we have other connections. So, our priority with you should be to design and work with the state government to build alternative state roads.”
Harping on his administration’s achievement in education, Obaseki stated that the councils now have to assist in strengthening these achievements. He noted that the state government is redesigning the secondary education system in the state, as 54 schools have been selected as pilot schools for the digital secondary education, and as such, the councils’ support will be required.
The Governor, while addressing the harsh economic times, noted that government must now look for ways to address them, ensuring that citizens do not go to bed hungry. “The poorest of the poor, the weakest in our society must be taken care of; it is our responsibility. We cannot wait for anybody to give us palliatives. Let us create our own palliatives for our people”, Obaseki admonished.
The Governor who stated that so much has been done in the last 6 to 7 years of his administration, noted however that sanitation remains an area which has been challenging, therefore prompting the chairmen to make it a priority on behalf of the state.
On his part, the newly sworn in Akoko-Edo Local Government Chairman, Tajudeen Alade Suleiman, who spoke on behalf of his fellow appointees, appreciated the Governor for his efforts in ensuring their victory at the poll, assuring him and the people of Edo State of their commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.
Suleiman said: “Your Excellency, we want to assure you that we will hit the ground running, because you have provided the platform for us to build on. We will strive to ensure that we collaborate with you to make Edo State the pride of Nigeria.”
Also present at the event were; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi; other top government functionaries, party leaders and faithfuls, amongst others.
