Oshiomhole begins new marathon, looks back, looks forward

Ademola Adegbamigbe &Jethro Ibileke

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo who was, this morning, sworn in for his second term in office at Ogbe Stadium , Benin City, the capital, by Justice Cromwell Idahosa, Chief Judge of the State, told the electorate and guests what he planned to do in the next four years.

After reminding the people that everything that was considered “impossible, we have proved the godfathers wrong and today, Edo is working,” Oshiomhole promised that in his second term, he would attract private investments, revisit water supply in Benin City and pursue the sinking of boreholes in the rural area. Apart from developing the new Benin Layout and an effective land use act, he vowed to make the rural areas centres of development so that people “will no longer travel to the capital city to see civilization.”

In the area of education, he said his focus would shift to massive investments in tertiary education. He added that he would re-ignite technical education in the state, beginning with the Benin Technical School so that there would be technical manpower to put Edo on the path of technological development. He added that his administration would work also on the possibility of building a new university.

The Governor assured the citizens further that he would vigorously pursue Information and Communications Technology, ICT, to “eliminate paper work and plug avenues of waste.”

He said that the state had passed through difficult periods and that everyone should stop lamenting about the past “because every time we spend doing that is time lost for planning for the future.”

He seized the opportunity of the occasion to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for playing the role of a statesman so that the concept of one man-one-vote stood firm and that he “put the country before his party [Peoples Democratic Party].” The Governor also appreciated the efforts of the armed forces of Nigeria and the State Security Service, SSS.

Oshiomhole specifically appreciated the role of the Oba of Benin, Omo n’oba Erediauwa “who stood firm so that the election should be based on issues and not the accident of birth.” The Governor prayed that the Oba will live long to see the transformation of Benin from an ancient to a digital city.

In a sombre tone, he eulogised those who died in the cause of pursuing democracy and justice in the state. He remembered his Personal Secretary, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde whose life “was snuffed out by some cowards.” Oshiomhole added that the Police have no alternative than to fish out the killers. “We will sustain the fight so that never again will the police conspire to shield killers.”

He did not forget the cops and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials who “died of natural causes” while transporting electoral materials to the rural areas. Not left out either were I. Fidelis, J. Okosun and Olatunji David, the journalists who died on the road. “I will appreciate the sacrifices of these people”

Oshiomhole further remembered his late wife who, four years ago, stood on the same platform with him when he was sworn in. “She brought me closer to God and stood by me in the Nigerian Labour Congress.” Notwithstanding that, the Governor thanked god that God blessed them with five children, two of who are married.

The Governor also thanked the electorate who stood by him when he and his colleagues struggled to snatch the state from the grips of godfathers and associate godfathers “who turned those who should be leaders to miserable spectators.”

Oshiomhole who won the gubernatorial election held on 14 July 2012 came into the stadium at 10. 38 am in company of Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Kayode Fayemi of Rivers, Delta and Ekiti States , in that order. Former Governors Segun Osoba and Niyi Adebayo of Ogun and Ekiti States were also in the train. Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State breezed into the venue 30 minutes later. The national leader of the ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aleogho Dokpesi Africa Independent Television boss, were also there. Governors Raji Fashola, Rochas Okorocha, Rauf Aregbesola, Ibikunle Amosun and Peter Obi of Lagos , Imo, Osun, Ogun and Anambra States , came in later.

Oshiomhole proceeded at 10. 45 am to inspect four Police guards of honour commanded by Augustine Ikoli, Abdullahi Jaffaru, Amaka Umaka and Umaru Chinka. The Nigeria Police Band, established since 1930 and that of Edo , which has been in existence since 1968, provided martial beats.

At 11. 30 am, Rt Rev B. U. G Imasuen of the Anglican Church and Chief Imam of Benin , Alhaji A. Inabulele said the opening prayers in the Christian and Islamic ways, respectively.

Justice Cromwell Idahosa, Chief Judge of Edo State , swore in the Deputy Governor Egberanwem Pius Odudu and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at 11. 45 am.

Present also at the occasion were a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Chief Tom Ikimi, an Action Congress of Nigeria leader; Tony Momoh, a former Information Minister and Congress for Progressive Change National Chairman; Senator Domingo Obembe; Thomas Okosun ACN Chairman in Edo State; Augustine Akubueze, Catholic Archbishop; Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, representing his father, Omonoboa Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin; Senator Daisy Danjuma; Patrick Obayagbon, the Igodomigodo of Benin Kingdom and a former House of Representatives who dazzled the lower legislative chamber. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State came in at 11. 50 am

In April 2007, Oshiomhole won the governorship election, but his mandate was stolen. But this was reaffirmed on 11 November 2008 by the Court of Appeal in Benin City and was sworn in on 12 November 2008. And on 14 July 2012, he won another gubernatorial election.