A SPEECH DELIVERED BY H. E., HIGH CHIEF MARVELOUS OMOBAYO, DEPUTY GOVERNOR, EDO STATE, AT THE EDO NORTH DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT HELD IN HOTEL DE BENTLY, ABUJA ON 20TH APRIL, 2024
Protocols
With great delight I address you today as the new Deputy Governor of Edo State. As you may all know, I was sworn in on 8th April, 2024 following the impeachment and removal of Comrade Philip Shaibu, both of us brothers from Afemai or Edo North Senatorial District. It is a kind of development in which a brother found what his elder brother has lost. Really, this is the grim reality. However, let me state here, as I have done in other forums, that I had no iota of instigation, intervention or participation in the processes that culminated in my brother’s removal and my swearing in as his replacement. It is an act of God, perhaps, and the state government of which I am a fortunate beneficiary. So, I should function to the best level of my acumen and capacity.
I thank the organisers and sponsors of this summit and I give utmost respect to some of our eminent leaders gathered here today to engage in the discourse of development of Edo North. I am particularly happy because Akoko Edo is participating in this high profile summit for the first time as Deputy Governor. This is historical.
The topic of discourse is an interesting one that should engage the minds of serious-minded Edo North people and politicians, as it has engaged my mind and intellect at present.
Fortunately, we have enough successful Afemai people, highly placed politicians and office holders to drive our development. Whether we are truly driving the development or just engaged in partisan political and individualistic pursuits is the huge question we must ask ourselves. This summit is in this regard very important and timely.
No development can take place in an atmosphere of mistrust, rancour and inequity in the sharing of what we call dividends of democracy, political appointments and elective offices. We must bear this reality in mind.
In the final analysis, whomever we are, whatever political ideology or party we subscribe to, we are all looking for individual and political development, wellbeing and security of lives and property. I do not think this pursuit should tear us apart. Eventually, the various roads we ply take us to one market, one terminus, ,one destination.
I welcome participants and discussants to this summit. I do believe that the ideas that will be generated here will give policy makers, office holders and development experts adequate insight and impetus to develop Edo North. Remember that we are the solid mineral and intellectual hub and deposit of Edo State.
Long live Nigeria, long Edo State, long live Edo North.
