OUTGOING Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday, presided over his last state executive council session as governor and commended members of the council for their steadfastness, commitment, industry and resourcefulness, which contributed to the success of his administration.
Speaking at the valedictory session at the Government House, Benin City, Governor Oshiomhole said “let me thank each and every one of you for what God has used you to do for our people, for our great state.
“Let me say publicly said I do believe the evidence is there, that members of this state executive council are the least paid and work the hardest compared to any other state that I know of. I also know that we have had to work long hours.
“I recall a meeting we had, starting at 9.00 a.m., no adjournment and staying all the way to 7.00 a.m. the following day. No break, no adjournment. We all agreed that we would do that and we would not adjourn until we had addressed the issue of the viability of this state, so that we can deliver on our promises.”
“I want to thank all of you. May God bless you; may God reward you. And we must have a sense of collective ownership of everything that happened while we were here.
“I want to apologise to those I harassed and there is hardly anyone I didn’t, but it can be both ways. I wanted everything to be perfect. The harder I strived towards perfection, the more I realise that it can’t be, and I am still striving. I was always afraid to fail; it has been in my nature. I didn’t design it. Thank you for tolerating a lot of that and for appreciating that nothing was personal.”
Also speaking, the deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu said, “I recall with nostalgia the very early days of our relationship. The very first time we met with regard to this project was in Abuja, and it was as if we had known each other for donkey years. We bonded as brothers. I recall again the trying moment, the trying period when our mandate was stolen. You provided exemplary leadership.
Mr Governor, sir, to say that you have performed beyond previously established boundaries will be to state the obvious.”
Other members of the executive council took turns to pay glowing tributes to the governor while he thanked them one after the other.