OKPEBHOLO ORDERS COMMISSIONERS TO WEAR TINUBU INSIGNIA AS SIGN OF LOYALTY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has directed members of his newly inaugurated cabinet to visibly demonstrate their loyalty to Bola Tinubu by wearing outfits bearing the president’s insignia.

The governor issued the directive on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed commissioners and the inauguration of several boards and commissions in Benin City.

Okpebholo, who attributed his emergence as governor to President Tinubu’s influence and support, stressed that loyalty to the president must go beyond verbal declarations.

“This could not have 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,” he said.

“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.”

The governor, however, clarified that the appointments were not rewards for political allegiance but opportunities to serve the people of Edo State with honesty and dedication.

“You have been carefully screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly purely on merit. Your nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State,” he said.

Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s focus on practical governance with measurable outcomes rather than rhetoric.

“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,” he added.

He charged his appointees to uphold discipline, integrity, and teamwork, warning that his administration maintains zero tolerance for corruption.

“Your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people. 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,” the governor said.

The ceremony was attended by top dignitaries, including Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.