President Tinubu Congratulates Governor Okpebholo of Edo State , Calls for Swift Progress

President Tinubu extended his warm congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the new Governor of Edo State. The congratulatory message, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, highlights Tinubu’s optimism for Edo’s future under Okpebholo’s leadership. President Tinubu urged the governor to prioritize elevating the quality of life for Edo citizens, emphasizing the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy during his tenure.

Okpebholo’s rise to governorship follows his victory in the state election on September 21, 2024, where he succeeded former Governor Godwin Obaseki. The election marks a significant shift for Edo as it rejoins the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after eight years. President Tinubu expressed hope that Okpebholo would restore true democracy, strengthen state institutions, and fulfill the trust placed in him by Edo’s residents.

President Tinubu Emphasizing the Role of Strong Institutions in Governance

President Tinubu stressed the importance of supporting legislative independence, which he sees as fundamental to fostering good governance in Edo. Reflecting on the past administration, he lamented what he perceived as efforts to undermine the legislative branch, arguing that this weakened its capacity to serve the people effectively. In his statement, President Tinubu underscored that a strong and independent legislature would be essential to creating policies that benefit all citizens, calling on Okpebholo to empower the assembly and other key institutions.

The President also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its effective organization of the Edo Governorship Election. Recognizing INEC’s role in ensuring a smooth electoral process, President Tinubu encouraged the Commission to continue its exemplary work in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, slated for November 16, 2024. According to President Tinubu, the peaceful transition of power in Edo stands as a testament to Nigeria’s democratic resilience.

A New Era of Democracy and Economic Optimism in Edo

At the inauguration, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu, who spoke of “democracy in its truest form.” Presidential Tinubu highlighted that this transition signifies a victory for the will of the people, adding that their hopes for a brighter future will guide Okpebholo’s administration. Expressing optimism for Nigeria’s economic recovery, President Tinubu assured citizens that the nation had already overcome its most challenging days, with the economy now moving toward a phase of sustainable growth.

President Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation within Edo, urging all citizens to work together, regardless of political affiliations. He emphasized that the new administration must represent the entire population, including those who may have opposed Okpebholo. According to President Tinubu, the inauguration is another step in Nigeria’s democratic journey, symbolizing the principle that every vote carries equal value and that true leaders rise to the challenges inherited from their predecessors.

Okpebholo’s Vision for Edo: Development and Empowerment

Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the people of Edo for their trust, pledging to work tirelessly to bring about rapid development and economic progress. His administration’s five-point agenda includes improvements in healthcare, security, education, economic growth, and infrastructure development, with the goal of transforming Edo into a prosperous state. Okpebholo promised to rehabilitate road networks across the state and provide electricity to communities that have long awaited connection to the national grid.

Focusing on economic empowerment, Okpebholo committed to supporting small business owners, providing youth employment opportunities, and offering soft loans to market women to bolster trade. He affirmed that under his leadership, Edo’s youth and entrepreneurs would be equipped to thrive, pledging that the new administration would work to eradicate unemployment. With his commitment to inclusive growth and development, Okpebholo assured citizens that the state’s future holds promise for all residents, reinforcing his goal to make Edo a state that prospers under APC governance.