Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday described himself as a vessel in the redefinition of democracy in Nigeria.
Obaseki made the remarks in his inaugural speech titled ‘Consolidating Progress’ shortly after being sworn in for a second term in office as the governor of the state by the chief judge of the state, Justice Esther Edigin.
The governor said he was not unaware that his re-election placed enormous responsibility on him, adding that the mandate represented a new hope for the people of the state.
He said it was time to heal the wound of the past, to take collective destinies “in our own hands as Edo people and commence the arduous task of Making Edo Great Again (MEGA)”.
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“That I can stand before you today as the re-elected governor of Edo State is a testimony to the awesome power of God Almighty and the indomitable will and determination of the great people of Edo State,” Obaseki said.
“The good people of Edo State spoke unequivocally through the ballot on September 19 and have entrusted us with the task of steering our state for another four years.
“I am encouraged by the trust you have bestowed on us and grateful for your belief in my leadership and my capacity to continue piloting the affairs of this great state.
“What you, my dear people of Edo State, achieved with the September 19 governorship election is the restoration of confidence in democracy and its institutions, and we have become a point of reference on how the will of the people can triumph in a democracy that functions properly,” he said.
Obaseki, however, explained that the world is currently going through unprecedented challenges, which is taking its toll on the collective wellbeing of the people and demanding so much from the socio-economic and political structures that hold everyone together.
He said democracy and the participatory government is facing a crisis of confidence locally and globally such that “we are compelled, now and again, to reassess our choices in light of the unfolding intrigues, paradoxes and conflicts that have come to characterise our political reality as people in the free world”.
He also explained that political conflicts have caused many to reevaluate the capacity of democracy to regulate the affairs of men and deliver freedom, equality and good governance.
“It is therefore gratifying that Edo is taking the lead in this onerous task of restoring faith in democracy in Nigeria and the entire globe.
“It is pertinent to state that there are many sides to the victory we are relishing today. Aside from the fact that it restores hope in democracy as a form of participatory government, our victory also offers an opportunity for us to bridge the gap between a challenged past and a promising future.
“The unfortunate crisis we have had to endure as a people over the decades has led to deep divisions, which has resulted in inequality, injustice, underdevelopment, poverty, insecurity and unequal distribution of opportunities,” he said.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for upholding Nigeria’s constitution and allowing the will of the people to prevail.
He also commended traditional rulers, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), youths, civil servants, traders, women, professional bodies, artisans, Edo people in the Diaspora, among others, for their unalloyed commitment and loyalty.
Some dignitaries that attended the swearing-in include Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, who represented President Buhari, Edobor Iyamu, senior special assistant in the vice president’s office, who represented Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwwal, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by his deputy-elect, and Rivers State Governor Nysom Wike, represented by his deputy.
