Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday bade farewell to his former colleagues in the Senate, saying he would a good ambassador in office as governor of Edo state.
The governor said, it is a hard thing leaving his colleagues in the 10th having to remember his stay as Senator representing Edo State on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Okpebholo who was elected governor of Edo State on September 21, in an emotion laden valedictory speech on the floor of red chamber as he appeared to take a final bow, recalled the support Senators threw behind him to clinch power as governor.
According to him, he was filled with leaving his colleagues in the 10th Senate for governorship assignment after the Senatorial mandate has made him to know so many Senators who are filled with wisdom and highly patriotic Nigerians.
He said: “Distinguished colleagues, this is quite emotional for me. From the moment I joined this 10th Senate in June 2023, every moment at the Red Chambers has remained especially memorable”.
What inspired him the more, he said, was that they all saw themselves as forerunners of democracy and desired the best for the country.
He said: “We saw ourselves as forerunners of democracy, and we wanted the best for the nation. Barely one year in the Senate, I left to pursue the dream of becoming Governor. Today 1 am Governor of Edo state.
“There is no way my story can be told without my distinguished colleagues here. The support, advices and prayers were awesome.
“Let me particularly thank the uncommon Senate President; Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his support and encouragement throughout my campaign period were truly uncommon.
“To my Distinguished Deputy Senate President; Senator Barau Jibrin, your words ofadvices were great political wisdom. My Senate Majority leader; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. I say thank you for being a brother always. My consultations with you were never regretted.
My other principal officers and indeed the entire Senators of this 10th Senate, this is homecoming for me. The warm relationship among us, here in the chambers, can not be over-emphasized.”
“My involvements in the business of legislation have helped to drive my passion for good governance particularly in infrastructure development, Security, education, health and so on in my new role as Governor.
We worked together, we gained successes together and we must be always be proud of each other wherever.
“I want to express my gratitude to some of my close friends here, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Babangida Husseini Uba, Senator Abdulaziz Yari just to mention a few.”
Governor Okpebholo was elected Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC and he was a first timer.
Until he left the Senate, he was the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Procurement.
