By Salisu Sani-Idris
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the nation’s most challenging economic period is now behind them.
The spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. He said Tinubu gave the assurance at the inauguration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa as governor and deputy governor of Edo State.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the president said the inauguration brings a new chapter in Edo State’s history with the triumph of democratic values.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would demand serious reform—reform to stave off looming fiscal and monetary threats to the stability of this great nation,” he stated.
He called for immediate reconciliation to address potential post-election differences in the state.
“While some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them.
“It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of problems they inherit. However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to confront them,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the new administration’s mandate extends beyond partisan considerations.
“Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to building the Edo State you envision: a place where jobs are plentiful, where education is accessible and strong. Where infrastructure is modern, and where healthcare is within reach of every citizen.
“No political party has managed its own affairs with greater unity and purpose than the APC since we took charge,” he said.
Earlier in his inauguration speech, Okpebholo thanked the people of the state for their trust and pledged never to betray them.
He pointed out that the new administration would focus on achieving rapid development and economic growth in the state.
Okpebholo promised to implement a five-point agenda that prioritises health, security of lives and prosperity, education, economic growth, and infrastructure development.
“Edo shall rise again. My administration is committed to fixing the roads across our dear state to make them motorable once more. We will ensure that our communities currently without electricity are connected to the national grid and illuminated,” he said.
The governor affirmed that small business owners would be empowered to stimulate socio-economic growth.
He assured the state’s youth that they would be empowered to address the issue of unemployment. “We shall provide soft loans to our market women to boost their trade,” he added.
He further assured state civil servants and the judiciary of a brighter future, pledging increased respect for traditional institutions. (NAN)
