Contrary to earlier reports that the federal government gave a bailout to states to meet their indebtedness to workers, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said no state has got a kobo from the federal government as bailout funds.
The governor, who spoke at the weekend at a reception for the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Solomon Arase, in Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state, however said the cheering news is that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to seeing an end to the situation where up to fifteen states owe workers’ salaries.
He said some conversations are going on between the federal government and the governors and the president has been extremely positive in recognising that he does not want to preside over a country whose workers are not paid.
“At the end of the day, it is not acceptable where fourteen to fifteen states cannot pay salaries. The good news is that the president is standing by us and there is always a time lag between when you conceptualise and when you implement.
“For now, no state government has got one naira under the bailout arrangement.”
On the IG who was being honoured by the people of Ora on his elevation, the governor said: “The celebrant is not just a man of history, there are many people who could become the IG by political connection, but he has a very unique ability.
“I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the way you have sought to manage your office, deal with the challenges of the police force without being partisan, This is a difficult position to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with courage, determination and intellect to your job no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.
Oshiomhole continued: “I think at this time, the IG would need all the prayers, support and encouragement particularly from the Edo people. Let it not be said that the task of policing was made more difficult by the people of the state. And he is serving under a president who will not tolerate indiscipline.
He is an IG to drive changes in the psyche and governance of our great nation,
“It is a thing of pride to our people that coming from a minority, he has risen to become the IG of the police. But we also recognise that he is coming to office at a very challenging time. This is the time we need such people with security of mind and competence to drive the changes which president Buhari has promised the people by ensuring that the police play their part of providing security for the people.”
On his part, the president of Ora Ekpen Development Association, Prof. S Ahonkhai, said the IG is forthright, dependable and a man of integrity.
He said: “I humbly enjoin all of you to pray for him so that his tenure will become a milestone of success in the history of the Nigerian Police.”
In an address of welcome, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ehimika Ifidon, said in celebrating the IG, the Ora people of Edo State are also celebrating other sons and daughters who have made tremendous achievements in various areas.
Responding, Arase said he felt elated to receive the honour being bestowed on him with joy.
He said: “I remain extremely grateful for this honour and for the personal sacrifices that you have made to make this occasion a huge success. May the Almighty God return the honour you have bestowed on me and perfect your ways, grant you protection and success in all your endeavour.
“Sabongidda Ora has made my life. It reminds me of the time-tested saying that, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. I shall promise three things in return. First, in my line of duty, I will continue to project those values that would edify this community. And I will not engage in anything that will bring our communal values to disrepute.
“I promise to give back to Sabongidda Ora and Owan what the community has given to me. It is in furtherance of this that I incorporated the Madam Mercy Igbe-Arase nee Ifidon foundation which has been awarding scholarship to deserving Owan West and East undergraduates to enable them fulfill their dreams and make their lives worthwhile. Today, we have fifteen undergraduates that we are sponsoring,” he said.
“I wish to call on Nigeria parents to join hands to restore the dwindling discipline and moral standards and academic fashion of our youths. A community without moral rectitude is a community that is threatened with serious social disorder like kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism.”
The citation was read by Prof. Alufokhai, while goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Oseriemen Osunbor, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Senator Roland Owie and Chief Sam Igbe.
The ceremony attracted many dignitaries including Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Senator Roland Owie, Senator Yisa Braimoh, Sir Arumemi Johnson-Ikhide, Ambassador Moses Ihonde, traditional rulers, members of the state executive council and old students of Holy Trinity Grammar School, among others.
