Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says contrary to insinuations
in many quarters, no state has received any bailout fund from the
Federal Government.
He spoke on Saturday at a reception for the Inspector-General of
Police, Solomon Arase, in Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area
of the state.
According to the governor, the cheering news, however, is that
President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to seeing an end to the
situation where up to fifteen states owe workers’ salaries.
He said: “there is some conversation going on between the Federal
Government and the Governors and the president has been extremely
positive in recognizing that he does not want to preside over a country
whose workers are not paid.
“At the end of the day, it is not acceptable where fourteen to
fifteen states cannot pay salaries. The good news is that the president
is standing by us and there is always a time lag between when you
conceptualize and when you implement.
“For now, no government has got one naira under the bailout arrangement.”
On the Inspector-General of Police who was holding a thanksgiving on
his elevation, the Governor said: “the celebrant is not just a man of
history, there are many people who could become the I-G, by political
connection, but I think he has a very unique ability.
“I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the
way you have sought to manage your office , deal with the challenges
of the police force without being partisan, This is a difficult position
to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with
courage, determination and intellect to your job no matter whose ox is
gored”, he said.
Mr. Oshiomhole continued “I think at this time, the I-G would need
all the prayers, support and encouragement particularly of Edo people.
Let it not be said that the task of policing was made more difficult by
the people of the state. And he is serving under a president who will
not tolerate indiscipline. He is an I-G to drive changes in the psyche
and governance of our great nation,
“It is a thing of pride to our people that coming from a minority, he
has risen to become the I-G of the police. But we also recognize that
he is coming to office at a very challenging time. This is the time we
need such people with security of mind and competence to drive the
changes which president Buhari has promised the people by ensuring that
the police play their part of providing security to the people.”
On his part, the president of Ora Ekpen Development Association, S.
Ahonkhai, said the I-G is forthright, dependable and a man of integrity.
He said “I humbly enjoin all of you to pray for him so that his
tenure will become a milestone of the success in the history of the
Nigerian Police.”
In an address of welcome, the chairman of the occasion, Ehimika
Ifidon, said in celebrating the I-G, the Ora people of Edo State are
also celebrating other sons and daughters who have made tremendous
achievements in various areas.
Responding, Mr. Arase, said he felt elated to receive the honour being bestowed on him with joy.
He said “I remain extremely grateful for this honour and for the
personal sacrifices that you have made to make this occasion a huge
success. May the Almighty God return the honour you have bestowed on me
and perfect your ways, grant you protection and success in all your
endeavour.
“Sabongidda Ora has made my life. It reminds me of the time-tested
saying that, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. I shall promise
three things in return. First in my line of duty, I will continue to
project those values that would edify this community. And I will not
engage in anything that would bring our communal values to disrepute.
“I promise to give back to Sabongidda Ora and Owan what the community
has given to me It is in furtherance of this that I incorporated the
Madam Mercy Igbe-Arase nee Ifidon foundation which has been awarding
scholarship to deserving Owan West and East undergraduates to enable
them fulfill their dreams and make their lives worthwhile. Today, we
have fifteen undergraduates that we are sponsoring”, he said.
“I wish to call on Nigeria parents to join hands to restore the
dwindling discipline and moral standards and academic fashion of our
youth. A community without moral attitude is a community that is
threatened with serious social disorder like kidnapping, armed robbery
and cultism.”
The citation was read by Mr. Alufokhai while goodwill messages were
delivered by Oseriemen Osunbor, Mike Ogiadomhe, Roland Owie and Sam
Igbe.
The ceremony attracted many dignitaries including Ehigie Uzamere,
Roland Owie, Yisa Braimoh, Arumemi Johnson-Ikhide, Moses Ihonde,
traditional rulers, members of the state executive council and old
students of Holy Trinity Grammar School, among others.
