President Bola Tinubu congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of Edo State.
Tinubu expressed his congratulations via a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The statement is captioned ‘President Tinubu Congratulates Senator Okpebholo on Edo Governorship Inauguration.’ In his statement, Tinubu asked Okpebholo to work hard to improve the living conditions of Edo State residents and make a meaningful effect during his tenure.
Following his victory in the state governorship election on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo formally succeeded former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking on the transition, Tinubu stated that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State has rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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 President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance,” the statement read.
Tinubu expressed concern about the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which limited its efficacy for much of its time.
Tinubu also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for successfully conducting the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the future Ondo Governorship Election, which is scheduled for November 16, 2024.
The President welcomed this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey, and he rejoiced with the people of Edo on this historic occasion.
At the inauguration, the president proclaimed that democratic values had triumphed, ushering in a new chapter in Edo State history.
As Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the country’s most difficult economic period was behind it.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke on “democracy in its truest form,” emphasising the importance of people’s will in moulding Nigeria’s political landscape.
“This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people.
“This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow, is what democracy sounds like,” the president declared.
He also expressed optimism about the nation’s economic trajectory, saying Nigeria has already overcome its most challenging period.
“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 stated.
Tinubu called for immediate political reconciliation to address potential post-election differences in the state, noting that “while some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them.”
Tinubu emphasised the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting, “Over 25 years into our return to democracy, we have evolved, and today’s inauguration is yet another testimony that no individual vote holds more worth than another.”
Tinubu, who spoke on leadership qualities, offered a pointed observation: “It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of problems they inherit.
“However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to confront them.”
The new governor’s mandate, according to the president, extends beyond partisan considerations.
“Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to building the Edo State you envision—a place where jobs are plentiful, where education is accessible and strong, where infrastructure is modern, and where healthcare is within reach for every citizen,” he affirmed.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
