THE Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, pledged today to drive criminals out of Edo State and restore complete peace in the Heartbeat of the Nation.
During his remarks, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that under his leadership, criminals will not escape justice or disturb the state’s relative tranquility.
This statement was made at the swearing-in ceremony for new appointees, held at Government House in Benin City, as noted in a statement from Fred Itau, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
Emmanuel Okoebor was appointed as the Commissioner for Finance, Paddy Iyamu as the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin as the Coordinator of the Edo Security Network.
At the event in the New Festival Hall, Governor Okpebholo urged the new appointees to leverage their positions to uplift the state.
He commended their dedication and hard work, urging them to focus on improving education, enhancing security, and strengthening the treasury to foster development in Edo State.
“You understand the reasons for your appointment and the challenges ahead. It is essential that you prioritize Edo State in all your endeavors before your personal ambitions,” he stated.
Regarding education, he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver results and urged them to utilize state resources to advance the education sector, emphasizing that now is the time to demonstrate the promise of a new Edo.
“I believe retired CP Ibadin is more than capable of ensuring the safety of the people of Edo. It’s time to actively pursue criminals and drive them out of our land,” he added.
For the new Finance Commissioner, Okoebor, Governor Okpebholo highlighted his banking experience, encouraging him to apply that knowledge to improve the state’s treasury.
“You have a wealth of experience from the banking sector, and we chose you for a reason. Use that expertise to protect our resources and invest in the development of Edo State,” he said.
Okoebor, speaking on behalf of the new appointees, assured the Governor and the people of Edo State of their commitment to supporting him in achieving his five-point development agenda.
The Edo State House of Assembly had cleared the appointees during its plenary session the previous Monday after adopting the report from its Committee on Rules and Business.
Among the attendees at the swearing-in were Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the Edo State Government Barr. Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, Edo State Head of Service Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, and various Permanent Secretaries.