Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday declared that he would not forgive any member of the state executive council who turned up for the weekly meeting without donning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal trademark cap.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Governor Okpebholo vowed to send back any commissioner not dressed in suit to Exco meeting but failed to wear Tinubu’s signature cap, stressing that they must practicalise their support for the president through their outfit.
This warning was handed down during the swearing-in ceremony of 19 new commissioners and inauguration of boards of agencies at the Government House.
This gesture, the governor said, was in acknowledgement of the president’s contribution to his victory.
He emphasised that, “This could have not happened if we did not have a responsible president. We have done many elections here and the major problem we have had is that the president is not with us, but today, we say thank you. I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back”.
Governor Okpebholo told the Commissioners that the focus of his administration is not propaganda but practical governance that would be to the benefit of the people, adding that he would not tolerate corruption in the government as their appointments were not for self-enrichment.
According to the governor, “You have been carefully screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly purely on merit. Your nominations did come not as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State.
“This administration came into office on the promise of practical governance – to touch the lives of our people directly.
“Our focus is not on propaganda, but on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt in every community across our state.
“While I congratulate you on your deserved elevation, I want to warn that your appointment is not for personal enrichment. You are not here for money-making, but for service, for sacrifice, and for a better life for Edo people.
“I hereby call on you to brace-up for action, as your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people.
“May I remind you that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and you’re expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.
“Most importantly, I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. You must always remember that history will judge us for our actions and not our intentions.”
Present at the inauguration was the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
