By Sam Osasuwa
A new Commissioner for Special Duties in Edo State, Mr Benjamin Iyase has been sworn-in by Governor Godwin Obaseki, imploring politicians in the state to work for the betterment and progress of the state.
Obaseki, who said the new commissioner would work directly with him, urged him to emulate the virtues of Late Samuel Ogbemudia, whose legacies were still being talked about by Nigerians as a selfless leader.
He noted that the era where political appointees suddenly become “super rich” people were gone, saying that those in leadership should see their positions as a call for service.
Speaking during the swearing-in of Iyase, commissioner for Special Duties, the Edo governor reminded his appointee to leave an indelible footprint that will be remembered by generation unborn.
The governor posited that, “The newly sworn-in Commissioner will be working directly with me as Commissioner for Special Duties and responsible for policy areas that will be assigned to him.
ALSO READ: Police Arrest ‘Notorious Kidnap Kingpins, Mandela, Dakolo’ In Bayelsa
“I have continued to emphasise to all my Commissioners that their appointments, including yours, are a call to serve Edo people, and not a call to self-service.”
While charging the new commissioner to give his best, Obaseki accused public office holders in the country of using their positions to create big hole in the nation’s public revenue at the detriment of the people they were meant to serve.
“Public revenue in Nigeria has dwindled because public officers have used their positions to leach the country. Public officers must work hard to open up the state and its system.
“As you join your colleagues in the Edo State Executive Council, just note that you have come here to serve. For people, who have come here to serve, they are not likely to be more financially buoyant when they finish service.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: “We Receive As Low As N3,000 As Pension” – Protesting NPA Pensioners
“Ogbemudia did not die as a multi-millionaire but he is remembered today and this is the culture we are trying to establish in our State and Country. We have no choice as there is no more money in government”, he added.
In his response, Hon. Iyase thanked Governor Obaseki for the appointment, promising to give selfless service to the people of the state.
He added, “This appointment is a call to service. As the Governor has given me this responsibility, I assure him that I will put in my best, one that is good enough to complement his effort in developing the State and moving it to the next level.”
