- Safiu Kehinde
Barely two months after his election, Senator Monday Okpebholo has been officially sworn-in as the new Edo state governor.
The inauguration event which occured at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Tuesday ushered in Monday Okpebholo as the new governor of Edo State, and Dennis Idahosa as his deputy.
Presided over by the Chief Justice of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Okpebholo took his oath of office alongside his running mate Dennis Idahosa as administered by the Okungbowa, marking the formal transition of leadership in the state.
Following his swearing-in, Okpebholo becomes the sixth governor of Edo state since the 1999 Fourth Republican government.
In his inaugural address, Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support in his emergence as governor.
He pledged not to betray the confidence of Edo people, stressing that their welfare is his top priority.
“Let me start by thanking God for His grace and incredible blessings. Democracy has triumphed again in our dear state.
“For me, this is a humbling moment made possible by you all.
“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 said.
Meanwhile, the ceremony had in attendance some dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu; governors under the APC; Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo; a former governor of the Edo Adams Oshiomhole among others.