BREAKING: Okpehbolo swears in officials, vows to end reliance on consultants

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpehbolo, says his administration will not rely on the use of consultants to manage the affairs of the state.

The governor made this declaration during the oath-taking ceremony of members of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Local Government Service Commission, Edo State Sports Commission, and Permanent Secretaries on Tuesday.

In his address, Okpehbolo emphasised his commitment to improving governance in the state, stating, “We are here today in pursuit of a better society as we swear in members of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, members of the State Local Governments Commission, members of the State Sports Commission, and permanent Secretaries.”

“My administration will not rely on the use of consultants in running the affairs of the state,” he added, reinforcing his pledge to make a substantial difference in governance as part of his campaign promise to the people of Edo.

He continued, “It is obvious that my administration is set to make a huge difference in governance, which is my campaign promise to the good people of Edo State.

“We want to take up this challenge very responsibly because things cannot remain the way they are.”

Okpehbolo emphasised that his administration is determined to raise the bar for good governance, infrastructure, and social services.

He reassured the newly sworn-in officials, saying, “We will support you with everything you need to succeed.”

He also addressed the Permanent Secretaries, saying, “We will assist you in building a public service that will be responsive to innovation as we would not allow consultants to do your new jobs. We will continue to support you.”

The governor concluded by stressing that his administration would hold all officials accountable, particularly in translating policies and programs into reality: “As you resume a new duty, we would constantly hold you accountable when and where necessary.”

In response, the Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Oladele Bankole-Balogun, expressed gratitude to the governor for his trust and promised collaboration to ensure the success of the Okpehbolo administration.

Other newly sworn-in officials include Damian Lawani, Chairman of the Local Government Services Commission; Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission; and Dr. Paul Ehienwerio, Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service, among others.