Addressing his colleagues in an emotional farewell speech, Okpebholo reflected on his journey in the 10th Senate and his transition to the governorship of Edo State.
The Senate on Wednesday held a valedictory session for Governor Monday Okpebholo who represented Edo Central in the National Assembly.
Okpebholo had made a final visit to the Senate chamber to bid farewell to the 10th Senate, marking the end of his tenure as a senator.
Among his entourage were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, former deputy governor of the state, Philip Shauaibu, former Edo senator, Mathew Urhoghide, Prince Odianosen Okojie and some members of the Edo State House of Assembly, amongst others.
Okpebholo was a member of the 10th Senate in 2023 and 2024 until his election as Governor on September 21, 2024. He emerged as the winner of the poll after winning 11 of the 18 local government areas of Edo state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Senator Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress as winner of the election. He was subsequently sworn in on November 12. Until he left the Senate, he was the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Procurement.
Addressing his colleagues in an emotional farewell speech, Okpebholo reflected on his journey in the 10th Senate and his transition to the governorship of Edo State. He assured that he would continue to be a good ambassador of the 10th Senate.
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.
“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.”
Okpebholo acknowledged the significant role his colleagues played in his success. “There is no way my story can be told without my distinguished colleagues here. The support, advice and prayers were awesome.
“Let me particularly thank the uncommon Senate President; Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCFR, hos support and encouragement throughout my campaign period were truly uncommon.”
He continued, extending thanks to other key leaders in the senate. “To my Distinguished Deputy Senate President; Senator Barau Jibrin, your words of advice 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.
“Even as governor, the memories of the 10th Senate still linger in me. But one thing will assure you, will remain your ambassador as I drive governance from the executive branch of government.”
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He credited his legislative experience with shaping his governance priorities. “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.
“Thank you for standing by me throughout the campaign exercises.
“To all of you, I want to say Obilu!,” he said
Speaking at the valedictory session, former edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), described Okpebholo as a humble, resourceful, committed and intelligent man
“We are happy that in 30 days, Edo people are aware that there is a new governor in town: humble, resourceful, committed, intelligent, few words but maximum action,” he said.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Edo Central district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Okpebholo while in the 10th senate here.
