posted October 17, 2023
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has sworn in 44 Special Assistants (SAs) and 10 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) in Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas of the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Edo State College of Education in Afuze. During the ceremony, Governor Obaseki emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in politics in the country, focusing on genuine service, development, and improving the lives of the people.
The governor’s call for a paradigm shift in politics encapsulates his advocacy for a more people-centered and development-oriented approach to governance. He emphasized that politics and governance should not be driven by self-interest or personal gain but should instead prioritize the welfare and well-being of the citizens. This is in line with the idea that government should be about development and improving people’s lives.
It’s important to note that the specific policies and actions taken by Governor Obaseki and his newly sworn-in Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants would play a crucial role in translating this call for a paradigm shift into tangible improvements in the state’s governance and the lives of its residents.
Obaseki said, “I am here to tell you that I care about you and it will not be business as usual. I will take care of you.
“Politics must change, politics is about the people and politicians must care for their people. Enough is enough. We cannot say we are in politics and are poorer for it. Politics must help us to get out of poverty.”
He continued: “If I can come here to inaugurate you that means I don’t want you to leave here. You cannot be in Benin or Auchi and be working here. If I get a report that you are not in your base, you will get a letter from me replacing you. You are not absentee SAs or SSAs. If you know that you will not be in the community, let me know now so that I can get those ready to work for us in the party.
“It’s not just another employment but we are here to deliberately make sure that in every ward we have one SA and, in some cases, one SSA. They are to take care of and be my eyes and ears in every ward. No week must pass without me getting a report through the SSA of what has happened in your ward.”
The governor further noted, “I want to know if the teachers we are paying are working. I want to know the state of our primary health care centres in each ward, and also that of security in each ward before I hear from other sources. I want to know how people are living in your ward and community. Are they able to eat? Can they go to the farm? If not, why and what can we do about them?”
On his part, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, commended the people of Owan West and East local government areas for their continuous support, which led to victory in the last local government elections in the State.
He said, “We are here in Afuze for the inauguration of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) to the Governor in both Owan West and Owan East local government areas. We acknowledge what you have done for the party and the role you have played in the last election that resulted in the massive win at the polls.”