Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday swore in 18 LG chairmen, shunning requests by the opposition All Progressives Congress to halt the ceremony.
Obaseki said that the elected chairmen had been carefully chosen by the PDP and chosen by the electorate.
He expressed trust in the chairman’s ability to work with the state administration to provide the people with effective governance.
He said, “I campaigned with all of you around the local government, so I wasn’t surprised that you won. What amazed me, which I didn’t realise was the love and support which our people have for the PDP. Don’t let them down.”
The new chairmen were admonished by Obaseki to concentrate on improving their regions and maintaining a clean environment.
He promised that his administration will provide detours in places where the federal highways have deteriorated.
The governor said, “Today, we are in a crisis in our country. What is hurting Edo the most is in terms of our location, we are at the centre of the country and, therefore, are connected to a lot of roads owned by the federal government.
“The Federal Government as you know today lacks the capacity to manage itself, not to talk of rebuilding its roads, so it could take a while if ever for them to be able to build those roads.
“We, fortunately, have other connections, so our priority with you should be to design and work with the state government to build alternative state roads.
However, the APC chairman, Col. David Imuse (retd.) declared no local government election was held on Saturday.
He said, “What was purported to be an election or selection process turned out to be nothing more than a sham, leaving Edo citizens severely disillusioned and questioning the integrity of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.
“There was no local government election in Edo State, and so no results in any guise should be released by the EDSIEC.
“There should be no attempt to swear in any person or persons as chairmen or councillors on the basis of the so-called election.
“The APC is, hereby, urging all concerned stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the general public, to take note of this grave travesty and join us in demanding justice and fairness for the people of Edo State.”
