The governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has said that the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the fifth governor of Edo State since the entrenchment of the current democratic dispensation in 1999 signals the commencement of a new chapter full of hope for Edolites.
Governor Otu was the xhairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Campaign Council that worked for the success of Okpebholo in the Edo governorship election and also the chairman of the committee that conducted the primary election that produced the new governor of Edo State as APC goverjorship candidate.
After the inauguration of Okpebholo on Tuesday, Governor Otu, who had equally as the chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Imo govwrjorship poll last year, delivered victory for the party in the re-election bid of Governor Hope Uzodinma, said, “Witnessing the inauguration of Senator Okpebholo as the new governor of Edo State, with his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, was truly inspiring.
“The ceremony in Benin City is indeed the beginning of a hopeful new chapter for the state.
“It is a powerful reminder of how leadership transitions can bring communities together and pave the way for growth and progress.
“Being here today, surrounded by the energy and optimism, made it clear that Edo State is ready to embrace this new journey toward a brighter future.”
Otu, who appears to be happy to now have a counterpart APC governor in the South-South region, had always seen Okpebholo as a perfect gentleman, humble politician and compassionate leader, representing the change Edo people need at the moment, in view of the noteworthy impact he has made on the lives of Edolites through his foundation which is said to have granted healthcare services, scholarships, empowerment and vocational training to many disadvantaged persons.
Canvassing votes for Okpebholo prior to the election in Benin City in his bid to deliver victory for the APC, the governor of Cross River had said, “The Okpebholo Foundation, has it not touched on education? Has it not touched on health? Has it not touched on empowerment? Has it discriminated against anybody? That is the mark of a true leader. Those are the kind of people we need to come on the throne. Because that means when he comes on board as governor of Edo State, he is going to replicate those good things for the entire citizens in the state and Edo will be a better place for all and sundry.
“It is time for Edo to rise. It is only the man who knows the weight of your burden and problem that can actually solve it. Give us Senator Monday Okpebholo. He is your brother. He is a home boy. Make sure you come out and vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo to change the story of Edo State for the good of the people.”
