President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday celebrated the triumph of democratic ideals as Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa were inaugurated as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, assured Nigerians that the nation’s most challenging economic hurdles were now in the past.
In his inspiring address, Tinubu hailed the occasion as a testament to “democracy in its truest form,” emphasising the critical role of the people’s will in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory.
“This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people. This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow, is what democracy sounds like,” the President declared.
He struck an optimistic tone about the nation’s economic trajectory, saying Nigeria has already overcome its most challenging period.
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“We have weathered the hardest days as a nation. We have pulled back from the brink of economic collapse, and now we step forward into a time of growth,” he stated.
President Tinubu urged immediate reconciliation to address potential post-election disputes in the state, stating, “While some may attempt to disrupt peace after the people’s will has been expressed, every elected leader has a responsibility to serve all, including those who voted differently or opposed them.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s democratic progress, remarking, “More than 25 years into our return to democracy, we have grown, and today’s inauguration stands as proof that no single vote carries more value than another.”
Discussing leadership qualities, Tinubu observed, “An honest leader quickly recognizes the legacy of problems they inherit. However, what truly defines such a leader is their sincerity and courage to confront these challenges, not their scale.”
The President outlined the new administration’s inclusive mandate, noting, “Senator Okpebholo has pledged to build the Edo State you envision: a state with abundant jobs, accessible and quality education, modern infrastructure, and healthcare within reach of every citizen.”
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Connecting state governance to the national economic agenda, Tinubu emphasised, “From the moment we assumed office, we understood that securing our economy’s future would require serious reforms—reforms to avert fiscal and monetary threats to the stability of this great nation.”
He commended his party’s internal cohesion, stating, “No political party has managed its affairs with greater unity and purpose than the APC since we assumed leadership.”
The President described Edo State’s transition as a “covenant of hope,” underlining its importance to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth trajectory.
