I see myself as a redefinition of democracy, says Obaseki as he takes oath for second term

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, has described himself as a “vessel in the redefinition of democracy” in Nigeria.

He stated this on Thursday at the swearing-in ceremony for his second term in office, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia in Benin City, the Edo capital.

The event marked the inauguration of the governor and Philip Shaibu, his deputy.

According to Obaseki, it is time to do away with politics of division and ensure equitable distribution of resources to improve the lives of the people of the state.

“That I stand before you here today is a testimony to the awesome power of God Almighty and to the indomitable will of the great people of Edo state,” he said.

“My reelection represents a new hope. I see myself as a vessel in the redefinition of democracy in Nigeria and I am not unaware that this places enormous responsibilities on me.

“It is pertinent to state that there are many sides to our victory which we are relishing today. Aside from the fact that it restores hope in democracy as a form of participatory government, our victory also offers an opportunity for us to bridge the gap between a challenged past and a promising future.”

In attendance were Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by Edobor Iyamu, senior special assistant to the president on Niger Delta affairs, as well as Aminu Tambuwal, Ifeanyi Okowa, Duoye Diri and Nyesom Wike — governors of Sokoto, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, respectively.

Also present were top politicians of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obaseki, who contested on the platform of this PDP, secured 307,955 votes to defeat Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 223,619 votes, in the September 19 governorship election.