Godwin Obaseki sworn in for 2nd term as Edo governor

The stage for fresh administration is now set in Edo state as Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shaibu were inaugurated for the second term in office.

The event at the tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin city, Edo state capital, is graced by the creme de la creme from the Nigerian political fraternity.

Leading the list of top dignitaries at the event are Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Diri Duoye of Bayelsa and top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Prince Uche Secondus.

President Muhammadu Buhari and vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, are also at the event though represented by the minister of health Osagie Ehanire and political aide, respectively. At exactly 12:15 pm, the governor and his deputy were sworn in by the state chief judge, Esther Edighen.

Obaseki pulled second term magic against all odds

The Edo election was held on Saturday, September 19, across all the 18 local government areas in the state. Governor Obaseki comfortably sailed to the shore of victory as he defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s Osagie Ize-Iyamu and 12 other candidates.

The Edo governor was declared the winner of the anticipated poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having met all requirements by polling 307,955 and winning 13 local government areas.

Prominent Nigerians including former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, and former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan have described Obaseki's victory as a win for democracy and an end to political godfatherism.

I won't become godfather - Obaseki

Meanwhile, the governor earlier stated that he did not want to become a godfather because the role is not constitutional in the Nigerian political structure. The governor also stated that if godfatherism is left to continue in politics of the country, it will pose a big obstacle to the democratic order just like the military rule.

He made this known on Friday, September 25, while addressing the State House correspondents moments after paying a "thank you" visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

#EdoFirst-Live pictures from Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo state, venue of the 2nd term inauguration of @GovernorObaseki, as Governor of the state for another period of 4 years. #EdoNoBeLagos pic.twitter.com/lTsTn0XXge

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) November 12, 2020

#EdoInauguration-Breaking News: The governor of Edo state, @GovernorObaseki, has been sworn-in as the Governor of the state for another period of 4 years. Congratulations ????. #EdoNoBeLagos @officialKolaO @UcheSecondus @IAOkowa @GovWike pic.twitter.com/YxndFo7YIb

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) November 12, 2020