President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Benin at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, said the All Progressives Congress, APC, led-administration at the federal level would compensate the outgoing governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, for what he described as an outstanding performance in his eight years in office, saying, “we will not allow him to go.”
The President, who equally commissioned the multi-billion naira, 200 beds ultra-modern hospital built by the Oshiomhole administration, Upper Siluko Road, Queen Ede gully erosion site, Ikpoba Hill as well as the Dr Samuel Ogbemudia College, on Upper Mission Road in Benin City, congratulated Oba Ewuare II for his successful ascension to the throne of his ancestors as the 40th Oba of Benin.
President Buhari who arrived the palace at about 11a.m., expressed gratitude to the Oba for receiving his entourage, saying, “I congratulate you for ascending as the Oba of Benin and I am delighted coming at this time.
I am pleased to be here and being received by you (Oba of Benin), I am grateful.” Describing Oshiomhole as a great Nigerian, the President commended the out-going governor’s hard work in Edo State, asserting that “he has served well. We will not allow him to go. APC will look for a place for him,” insisting that “the victory of APC in Edo State is a morale booster.
I congratulate the governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his victory.” He described the renovation of the ancient palace to a modern one by Oba Ewuare II, as beautiful, declaring that he would not have known the palace, if he had come alone. Earlier, Oba Ewuare II, described the President’s visit as very significant to the palace, explaining,
“This is the very first official visit the palace is hosting and also the first time using the beautiful modern hall for visitors. It is a good time for better things to come, the first time I am receiving the President as the Oba. May I use this opportunity to thank you for your contributions during my coronation ceremony.”
While equally commending the Federal Government’s efforts at repositioning the country’s economy and the fight against corruption, Oba Ewuare II requested for more federal presence in the state and reminded the President of the need to support the transformation of Gelegele port to an export processing zone.
According to him, the transformation of Gelegele port would provide employment and contribute to the economic development of the country. Oba Ewuare II also thanked the president for appointing worthy sons of the state into federal agencies, and assured that the palace would continue to pray for the peace and development of the country. While commissioning the new ultra-modern Central Hospital, first built by the colonial administration in 1902, he said: “I am very impressed with this work.”
The hospital initially had only 10 beds with subsequent governments improving on the status before Comrade Oshiomhole turned the hospital to a five star hospital comparable to any hospital in the world.
According to President Buhari: “This is the best thing Oshiomhole has done for the people of Edo State. Instead of building a Government House, he decided to build a hospital and I think it takes a lot of time to do what he did.”
Earlier, governor Oshiomhole said: “One way of showing that we are equal before God is to provide a medical facility for the rich and the poor. I have often said that we cannot continue to lament medical tourism in the state. This hospital will provide medical care for all Edo people and will not be run like a civil service. We are proud of what we have accomplished and those who will run the hospital know best what to do.”
Dignitaries at the commissioning included the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, governor-elect of Edo State and his deputy, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shaibu, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, National Assembly members, Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Justin Okonoboh, and his deputy Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, Edo State Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie and other members of the state Executive Council.
(Vanguard )
