I will continue to put interest of ordinary Edo people first – Obaseki

Edo Gov. Godwin Obaseki says he will continue to put the interest of ordinary Edo people first in the development of the state.

Obaseki made the made pledge on Sunday, at the Omega Fire Ministry International Church, Benin Branch 1, when he led members of his cabinet to a thanksgiving service for the violence free election in the state.

The governor noted that because God gives power through the people, he had chosen to serve the ordinary people, “even if he is going to be governor for one day.“

He declared that the people would remain his priority in spite of the fact that some people wanted him to do otherwise.

“Many people are not happy with me but I don’t care because if you, the ordinary people are with me, they cannot do me anything.

“It is you, the people that matter. It is you that will keep me in power.

“When God decides to keep me in power, it is you that will make it possible.

“Even if it is one day I have left to spend in office, I will use it to serve you because governance is about the people,” he said.

Obaseki expressed gratitude to God for the violent free election in the state.

He said emphasised that though victory was important, “it is not as important as the violent free election record we have achieved.“

“Under my watch, I have run three successful elections and we have not recorded the death of any soul due to these elections. We are happy for this success.”

He also assured that his administration would continue to work with the church and religious leaders who knew and felt the pulse of the people.

“As a governor, I want to work closely with the Church because it is difficult to sit in Government House and feel the pulse of the people.

“Men of God are the right people to work with because they are always with the people and know what they pass through daily.”

Obaseki said that the Edo House of Assembly election had shown that Edo electorate were appreciative of the effort his administration in its effort to make life better for them.

He promised to improve on the lives and standard of living of the people, adding that he would be more focused, now, to develop the state further and make life better for them, especially youths.

“Youths are the future of this nation and as a government; the bulk of our resources must go to the young people.

“The youth have the energy, they have the intellect; all they need is direction to succeed and this government is ready to give that direction.”

He said that his administration was not about building roads alone but also focused on affecting lives through empowerment programmes for the citizens, particularly women.

Head Pastor of the Church Dr Azemhe Azena expressed appreciation to the governor for his developmental strides across the state.

According to him, the governor’s effort was the reason for the people’s support and prayers for his administration to succeed.

Azena, who maintained that he was not partisan and did not belong to any political party, said the work of the governor had endeared him to the church and him.

“God asked me to join forces with your government and work with you through prayers to ensure you succeed in your task,” Azena said.