Gov Okpebholo Appoints Oshiomhole’s Son As First Commissioner Nominee, Names Ikhilor As SSG, ex-Rep Member As Attorney General

Newly sworn in Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has given his political godfather, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole the honour of appointing his son, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as first to be named as commissioner nominee.

Governor Okpebholo who was sworn in today< Tuesday in Benin, the state capital didn’t waste time to name son of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, as Commissioner of Health.

The governor also appointed Mr. Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government and Dr. Samson Osagie, former House of Representatives member as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

The appointment of the younger Oshiomhole, a medical doctor and Dr. Osagie, a lawyer was contained in a statement by Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua who was appointed earlier.

He said that the names of the two commissioner nominees would be send to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation on a later date.

In his inaugural speech, Governor Okpebholo who defeated his closest rival Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 election, unveiled a five-point agenda focusing on security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education.

While reading the Riot Act to criminals, he vowed to tackle kidnapping and crimes, improve road infrastructure, and support traditional institutions..

The governor declared: “The welfare of our citizens is a top priority. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.”

He assured that he will not betray the confidence Edo people reposed in him and the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa.

While lamenting the incessant cases of kidnapping and other crimes, the governor vowed that his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of the state, saying:

“For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes. To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.”

He said that the deplorable condition of Edo roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another.

Senator Okpebholo added: “Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all.

“We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again. We are also ready to partner with the federal government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors.”

He said that the new administration will immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms in line with one of his campaign promises.

The new governor announced that he will set up a panel of inquiry into the remote cause of the failure by the immediate past Governor Godwin Obaseki to inaugurate 14 House of Assembly members-elect in the state in 2020.

He pledged that traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage, noting that in recognition of that, his administration shall actively support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the revered Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted by the British Punitive Expedition in 1897.