Mohammed Shosanya
Edo Governor,Monday Okpebholo,says he will set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the exclusion of fourteen Edo House of Assembly by the immediate-past administration.
He recalled that on 17th June 2019, 14 elected members of Edo state House of Assembly were denied inauguration into the 7th Assembly,saying it was a big blow to democracy.
Okpebholo who said this in his inauguration speech,explained that the probe was necessary in order to avoid future occurrence.
This is very imperative because the legislative arm of government is an essential component for the sustenance of democracy,he added.
He said:”Under the doctrine of Separation of Powers, the Judicial arm of government shall be strengthened to administer justice; fairly and promptly.
“The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear-in three judges recommended by the National Judicial Council is indeed regrettable. The Chief Judge will look into this and take necessary actions without delay.
“I want to thank members of the Edo Civil Service for their invaluable contributions to the development of our State. Your welfare shall be topmost in my agenda as meaningful reforms shall be initiated to ensure innovation, transparency and zero-tolerance for corruption in public service.
“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. Honourable Dennis Idahosa”, he declared.
He said the welfare of Edo people is top priority for his administration and to achieve this, the government will implement programmes,carefully outlined in his five-point agenda, designed to grow a robust economic growth and improve the lives of the people.
The five point agenda,according to him, are,security,infrastructure and road development,affordable healthcare, water and food sufficiency, and value-driven education across the state.
He noted, “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.
“The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another.
“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 organizations, those in diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors.
“My administration shall support small businesses and market women will be accessible to soft loans, while our teeming youthful population will not be left out as we shall support them to acquire relevant skills for self-empowerment”
He also said his administration shall immediately begin recruitment of teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms, adding that tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways too, to ensure quality education.
“Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid, to ensure that they have electricity.Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.
“It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted away by British Colonial Forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897.
“To the Edo State House of Assembly, our people have tasked us to work together for the common good of all. My administration is ready to work with you to strengthen institutions of governance and accelerate development”.