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President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his inauguration as the Governor of Edo State.
Tinubu’s message, shared through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the importance of Okpebholo’s role in improving living standards and achieving meaningful progress for Edo State during his tenure.
Okpebholo took over from former Governor Godwin Obaseki after winning the September 21, 2024, governorship election, marking Edo State’s return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after Obaseki’s eight-year administration.
Tinubu highlighted the significance of this transition, urging Okpebholo to fulfill the trust placed in him by the people and the APC and to uphold the principles of democracy.
“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 statement read.
Tinubu also encouraged the new governor to strengthen the state’s legislature and other institutions, underscoring the role of an independent legislature in sustaining democratic governance.
Expressing concerns about past challenges, Tinubu remarked that the previous administration had attempted to diminish the legislative branch, thereby hampering its effectiveness.
Tinubu further praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo election and urged them to continue this standard in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election.
At the inauguration ceremony, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu spoke on the triumph of democratic values, describing it as “democracy in its truest form.”
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future, stating that the nation had overcome its toughest economic period.
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“This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people,” Tinubu said. “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 also urged Okpebholo to prioritize reconciliation, stressing that elected leaders are accountable to all citizens, including those who voted differently.
In his inauguration address, Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the trust of Edo’s people, pledging not to betray it.
He outlined his administration’s five-point agenda, which focuses on health, security, 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 affirmed.
Okpebholo also assured small business owners, youth, civil servants, and traditional institutions of his commitment to their welfare and empowerment, promising soft loans to market women and new employment opportunities for the youth.
The event saw the attendance of notable dignitaries, including Deputy Senate President Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Kalu, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and governors from various states.