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

Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki, has described himself as a “redefinition of democracy.”

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

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

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.

“My re-election 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,” the governor said.

Those in attendance include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Edobor Iyamu 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 from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obaseki, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 governorship election.