By Adedapo Adesanya
The new governor of Edo State, Mr Monday Okpebholo, has promised to strengthen the security of the state and provide support for small businesses.
Mr Okpebholo was on Tuesday sworn in as the governor of Edo, marking an end to the eight-year stint of Mr Godwin Obaseki, at the helm of affairs in the South-South state.
The ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the votes of residents to move to the Dennis Osadebe House.
Mr Okpebholo took his oath of office alongside his running mate, Mr Dennis Idahosa, around 12:55 pm and thereafter rode in an open van around the stadium, waving to cheers from supporters.
In his inaugural address, Mr 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 new 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.
The ceremony was attended by some dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu; governors under the APC; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo; and a former governor of the Edo, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
The event marks the end of an intriguing political season in the state that pitted former allies against each other and saw new allies formed.
Mr Okpebholo defeated Mr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the keenly contested September 21 election.
The APC candidate polled 291,667 as against his main rival’s score of 247,274 votes while Labour Party (LP)’s Olumide Akpata came a distant third with 22,763 votes in the polls contested by fourteen candidates.
Despite enjoying the backing of then-governor Obaseki, the PDP failed to continue its hold on power in Edo State, surrendering to the APC where the former governor clinched his first ticket to the seat.
Modupe Gbadeyanka