Okpebholo swears in SSG, commissioner

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, swore in the  Secretary to State Government, Musa Ikhilor and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Samson Osagie, 24 hours after assuming office.

Ikhilor assumed office as SSG, while Osagie stepped in as Attorney-General of the state and Commissioner for Justice.

Okpebholo, barely two hours after his swearing-in, announced the nomination of Ikhilor and Osagie.

In less than 24 hours, Osagie was screened and confirmed by the state House of Assembly.

Okpebholo, in a letter addressed to the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, requested the assembly to confirm the nominee.

The governor also requested the assembly to consider and pass the 2024 supplementary budget to ensure the smooth running of the government.

Confirming the nominee, Agbebaku informed that Osagie, having served as a two-time member of the assembly from 1999 to 2007, would not be subjected to a rigorous screening exercise.

He noted that Osagie, also a former House of Representatives member, should be allowed to take a bow and be confirmed.

Agbebaku said that the bow-taking was in line with the tradition of the assembly, in recognition of the contributions of the former lawmaker at both the state and national levels.

The House, thereafter, in a voice vote, unanimously confirmed Osagie as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State.

Urging the new appointee to help him achieve his vision, Okpebholo, at the swearing-in, said: “I was voted to work and everybody should be ready to work.

I  carefully selected these appointees. They have proven integrity. Work with them so that we can do the best we can.

“During my campaigns, I promised to work with the best and that’s what we have done with these appointments. Our best is yet to come.”

Speaking after the swearing-in, the new SSG said the team would help the governor in fulfilling his campaign promises, by driving meaningful change and development in the  State.

Osagie, on his part, said he would help the governor achieve his agenda for the people, adding, “I will ensure  that the rights of Edo people are protected.”

When contacted, a Government House source said the appointment of Cyril Adam Oshiomhole, who was nominated by the governor as commissioner for health, would be confirmed by the assembly next week.