TELL Magazine

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki has described the new deputy governor of the state, Godwin Marvelous Omobayo as a “thorough-bred young professional” whose choice would provide the needed impetus to rally round all interests and persuasions within the state to work more closely together in realising the vision for a viable, strong and prosperous state that will be the envy of all.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 38-year-old electrical and electronics engineer by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, Governor Obaseki described Omobayo as “the man for the season”. Omobayo’s appointment followed the impeachment of former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu on Monday by the state House of Assembly.

According to Obaseki, “At 38 years old, the new deputy governor is a symbol of our undying belief in the power of our youth to transform our dear state, bringing vigour and renewed energy to the drive to place young people at the centre of our politics and developmental agenda. He is a man for this season.”

He said “It is with profound respect and humility that I address you this morning on this auspicious occasion of the swearing-in of Omobayo Marvelous as our new deputy governor, who will be working with me in these last few months of my administration as we make progress on our promise to finish strong for the benefit of our dear people.

“We have run a very interesting and eventful tenure since we took office in 2016 and gained your trust to continue on our mandate for another term in 2020, and at no point in this journey did I envisage that I will have to work with two deputy governors before the end of my eight-year run in office. But as the Bible says in Proverb 16: 9: ‘You may make your plans, but it is God that directs your actions.’

“The legislative arm of government, in the past few weeks, carried out their constitutional role, providing checks and balances in our democracy, and today, we have arrived at this difficult but inevitable juncture.”

He added, “As there cannot be a vacuum in government, we have by consensus selected Omobayo Marvelous to take over the baton as the new deputy governor of our dear state”.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, the Imah of Somorika, Oba Sule Idaiye, thanked the Governor for this position, noting that the decision to appoint someone from Akoko-Edo as deputy governor was historic.

“In the history of Edo State, you have broken the record again with the choice of a deputy governor from Akoko-Edo. We are all celebrating today. This is the biggest position ever for the area.

“You are a magician. As to how you arrived at the 38 years old Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, is surprising. The Deputy Governor is a machine, loved by the people, pleasing to our people. We thank you for what you have done for our people. We thank you for this great thing you have done for our people.”

In his response, the new deputy governor thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, pledging to work assiduously with the governor to finish well and strong.

According to him, “In the few critical months left to tidy up the work of this administration, my job as Deputy Governor is clearly and well cut out. I understand it very clearly. In line with the oath of office to which I have just subscribed, l make a solemn pledge to do all in my power, with God’s guidance, to live up to expectations. I will give all it takes to meet the expectations of my principal, the party, and above all, the good people of Edo State”.

While accepting the appointment, Omobayo assured Governor Obaseki that “I am willing and very ready to join hands with you to complete your tenure in office in a most glorious way. Loyalty is the name of the game; and l assure you sir, that you will have it in full dose”.

He said “Politics of betterment for all, not bitterness, remains my model. And this is the oath l just subscribed to. I will be loyal to my principal, and l will serve Edo people, as spelt out in my oath of office. I pledge to be loyal to my oath of office. I have no choice in the matter. My principal shall have no reason to complain. The party will be happy with me. Our State Legislature shall be happy with me. Edo people will be happy with me in office. But l need prayers”.

Describing Governor Obaseki as a youth-friendly governor, Omobayo said, “This appointment shows the governor seems to understand Akoko-Edo very well and the complexity therein. I thank the governor for today is a day of the Lord. If I am to draw the face of the Lord right now with a pen and drawing sheet, I will draw the face of Godwin Obaseki.

“I am not the best youth to come out from Edo State; this could only have been God. I understand my job description which is to actually complement the work of the governor. We have a consummate administrator like Governor Obaseki. I have studied his developmental plan over the years very sincerely. I have also looked at the master plan of this administration and will surely support him to finish well. I admire his style of administration and am sure to build on the existing structure in the plan as an engineer.”

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