Okpebholo swears in 19 commissioners, board members, warns against corruption

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, swore in 19 Commissioners, as well as Chairmen and Members of Boards and Commissions, with a stern warning against corruption and any conduct capable of undermining the integrity of his administration.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Government House in Benin City, was described as colourful and carnival-like. It was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN); Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikilor; Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gani Audu; serving Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and other top government officials.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that all appointments were made strictly on merit, noting that the positions were not rewards for political loyalty but a call to serve the people of Edo State. He explained that their nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve, adding that his administration came into office on the promise of practical governance to touch the lives of the people directly.

The governor reaffirmed that his administration’s focus remains on service delivery and measurable results rather than propaganda. He stated that his government’s objective is to deliver tangible results that can be felt in every community across the state.

Okpebholo urged the new appointees to approach their duties with discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. He congratulated them on their elevation but warned that their appointment was not for personal enrichment. According to him, they were appointed for service, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better life for the people of Edo State.

The governor stressed that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and expects all appointees to demonstrate loyalty to the people. He noted that history would judge public officials not by their intentions but by their actions, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding and repositioning Edo State for sustainable development. Okpebholo said the swearing-in ceremony marked another step in his administration’s journey to restore confidence in governance, adding that together with the new appointees, the government would prove that leadership can truly work for the people.

He said his overarching goal is to write a new chapter where service comes before self, assuring that a new Edo is emerging under his administration’s vision for transformation and inclusive growth.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Hon. Ebea Festus Odianonsen thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their total commitment to his developmental agenda. He promised that the new Commissioners and board members would support the governor in fulfilling his promises to the people of Edo State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Odianonsen further assured that they would work tirelessly to help the governor deliver effective governance and political stability across the state.