The Governor disclosed this while addressing Benin Palace
chiefs, led by Chief John Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin, who paid him a
courtesy visit in the Government House. He said he is concerened about
who will emerge as the party’s flagbearer just like any other member of
the party, assuring that there will be a level-playing field for all.Receiving the chiefs, Governor Oshiomhole said, “from my
inner insight of what this job entails, I believe we should look for
people who believe in the State and
have the capacity to run it. We have
the right to educate the people about the person whom we think will be
safe. Be rest assured that I am as concerned as yourselves because we
have seen the damage which the wrong driver can do to our collective
vehicle. Everything is the same, the only difference is the person who
heads the government. May God give us a governor that will put Edo
people first, that will respect the traditional institution and that
will work for the unity of our people across the 192 wards.“As I have said repeatedly, I think all of us must work
together to ensure that we have a governor who, first and foremost,
believes in Benin, and who believes in the State, because if someone
does not believe in the State, and he has power, he will help himself.
Running a government is different from running a private enterprise.
When you are working for a government, the interest is the people of the
State. The second is to have the capacity to manage finances prudently
because you may wish to do your best, but you cannot give what you don’t
have. If you don’t have the brain, if you don’t have the knowledge and
you don’t have the capacity, you will not be able to do it. So, we need
people who can apply resources creatively.
“We haven’t solved all the problems, but we have made a
lot of progress, and I am sure if the next governor will continue from
where we will stop, for eight years of uninterrupted progress, I am sure
that Benin Kingdom will be wearing a complete new look.”
He expressed appreciation to the senior Palace chiefs for
their visit, “I want to thank you for your kind words, and I also want
to use this opportunity to repeat what I have said several times over. I
have been extremely fortunate not only to have been accepted by His
Royal Majesty, the great Oba of Benin, but also to enjoy the wise
counsel, advice, prayers and all. We have had such a wonderful warm
relationship between the government and the palace.
“I was at Abudu a few days ago, just to see what we are
doing, and the people were so happy. We have a similar work at Igbanke;
and here and there within the Kingdom, we are ensuring that we spread
development.
“Across Nigeria today, I believe that Edo State might be
one of the two or three states that are able to pay salaries of December
to workers before Christmas. The labour leadership came see me
yesterday to thank me for ensuring the civil servants in Edo State got
their salaries. So in a country where most states cannot pay, and we are
not as rich as any of our neighbours. Our people have got their
salaries, but our neighbours can’t, so, it shows that it is that
capacity to manage.
Speaking earlier, the head of Iwebo from Benin Palace
Chief John Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin expressed gratitude to the
Governor for his developmental strides in the State: “What you have done
in our State is something we are very proud about. You have virtually
touched every place. We pray that God will continue to guide and protect
you. Everyone of us as human being will aspire to the highest level of
developing Nigeria. We thank you for the audience.”
Among the Benin Palace chiefs on the visit are Chief John
Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, Esere of Benin,
Chief E.U. Uzamere, the Ine of Benin and Chief Morgan Obamwonyi, the
Eguezigbon of Benin.
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