Edo Executive Council holds valedictory session

The Edo State Executive Council held a valedictory session in Benin on Wednesday preparatory to handing over to a new government on Saturday.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who presided over the session, appreciated the council members for their selfless service to the people of the state.
Oshiomhole said he was convinced that the council did and gave it best for the people as there were evidences that the members were the least paid in the country but worked the hardest.
He stressed that the development in the state was as a result of the collective industry and commitment of all.
The governor lamented the death of his Principal Private Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde, in 2012.
The governor, who became very emotional and shed tears, said he also regretted the death of his wife, Clara.
Oshiomhole said she was irreplaceable as she was the only woman who agreed to marry him when he was anonymous, adding: “I miss her.”
He described her as a counselor and the person who thought him to pray, adding that she was with him in 2008 during his swearing in, but sadly won’t be around when he hands over to a new administration.
He urged the council to take a solemn moment to pray for the continued repose of their souls.
The exco members took turn to express their experiences in working with the governor.
Osarodion Ogie, the Commissioner for Works, said he was a pioneer student of what he called Oshiomhole’s school of governance.
Ogie said he learnt courage and being positive from the governor.
He added that “although Oshiomhole is a hard person, but he was very humane”.
Henry Idahagbon, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, described the governor as a pacesetter, path finder and a beacon of development.
Idahagbon said it was difficult to work with him because “he is a perfectionist”.
John Inegbedion, the Commissioner for Finance, described Oshiomhole as God sent to the state, adding that the situation on ground when the administration assumed office eight years ago financially could not support what was on ground today.
He said the governor took a bold decision and that had kept state afloat.
His Information counterpart, Kassim Afegbua, advised the governor to work on his temper and learn to manage time.
The Commissioners for Budget and Planning, Lawrence Aghedo; Water Resources, Washinton Osifo; Head of Service, Gladys Idaho; SSG, Julius Ihonvbere; and Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, also spoke.