Okpebholo Assigns Nearly 5,000 Assistants to Edo Local Government Areas

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has given his approval for the appointment of 4,800 special assistants, a move aimed at bolstering grassroots governance and increasing the involvement of All Progressives Congress members in his administration.

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This development was revealed by Okpebholo during a gathering with APC members from the state's 18 local government areas, which took place at the Government House in Benin City.

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According to Patrick Ebojele, the governor's media aide, the primary objective of these appointments is to extend governance and government programmes to the grassroots level, ensuring that development opportunities and initiatives trickle down from the state to the wards.

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Okpebholo emphasized that the appointments are a testament to the collective efforts of APC members, who contributed to the party's electoral success, stating that the victory is a shared achievement that belongs to all members, not just himself.

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Speaking further, the governor expressed his appreciation for the support of APC members and reiterated the importance of taking governance to the grassroots, ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt at all levels.

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Earlier, Jarret Tenebe, the APC state chairman, praised the governor for his efforts in repositioning and strengthening the party since assuming office, noting that the party has become more active and stable under Okpebholo's leadership.

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Tenebe highlighted that the governor has created opportunities for party members to participate in governance, taking the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, and that the appointment of 25 special assistants in each of the 192 wards across the state is a significant step in this direction, resulting in a total of 4,800 appointments.

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The meeting, attended by ward chairmen and other party members, was convened to outline the criteria and guidelines for selecting beneficiaries of the appointments, according to Tenebe.

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The APC State Working Committee has established a committee to collaborate with the various wards, ensuring compliance with the selection guidelines, and this committee will compile the names of qualified nominees and forward them to the party headquarters in Benin City.

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Tenebe also commended the administration for creating an environment that allows the party to operate more effectively, including plans to provide a vehicle for its activities, and for supporting APC candidates in local government elections.

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The meeting was attended by notable figures, including members of the APC State Working Committee, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, ward chairmen, and other party representatives from the 18 local government areas.