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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stated that contrary to insinuations of a rift between him and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, by some of their supporters, every decision he takes as governor is in consultation with his deputy.
He disclosed this at a church thanksgiving service to mark Idahosa’s 45th birthday in Benin City.
Okpebholo also revealed that the first time he met Idahosa at the lobby of the Transcorps Hilton in Abuja, he told him that he would be his deputy.
“The word of the prophet has come to pass today. I have absolute confidence in him, and we have been working very closely, we take decisions together, when you hear Akpakorescue, there is an inside discussion before we execute. Before we execute anything, we discuss and agree and sometimes he will tell me, remember where we are coming from, remember your ways so I see him as a partner and I believe in him.
“By the grace of God, I still believe that God is going to take him higher than this. I want to say a big congratulations to him and the grace of God will continue to rest upon him”, Governor Okpebholo said.
Idahosa recalled how he struggled in his early life after the death of his father when he was just six years old. He attributed his political successes to the grace of God when he was appointed Commissioner at the age of 34.
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He said the challenges he faced while growing up spurred his philanthropic disposition to empower women and youths, adding “My father died when I was just six years old. It was my mother that stood by all of us.”
A former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, praised the humility of Idahosa, who he described as a politician of strong will.
“I will describe him with the experience I had with him. When I approached him to support former President Goodluck Jonathan, he said he cannot remain with the Edo State Government as Commissioner and support the PDP. He had to resign his appointment to support Jonathan”, Ize-Iyamu disclosed.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in whose administration Idahosa served as Commissioner, said it was his former Deputy, Pius Odubu, that said Idahosa would be an asset to his administration.
On next Saturday’s by-election, Oshiomhole said it is a must win to reaffirm the confidence Edo people have on Governor Monday Okpebholo, adding that the emergence of Omosede Igbinedion as the APC candidate for Ovia Federal Constituency was a challenge to the women to do justice to another woman.
The thanksgiving service which was held at the Living Faith Church in Adesuwa, had several top political bigwigs in the state in attendance.
