By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo Civil Society Groups has described the appointment of Iyamu Osaro Destiny’s appointment by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo as a round peg in a round hole.
This was stated in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Solomon Okoduwa, Executive Director, Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR), Comrade Wilfred Evbade, President, Youth Emancipation For Socio-Change, Mr. Ernest Asibor, State Coordinator, Edo Youth For Good Governance, Mrs. Elizabeth Tunde, President, Eliz United Forum and Ms. Ajayi Shade, Movement for Gender Equality and made available to The9JaTREND.
According to the group, the appointment of Mr. Iyamu Osaro Destiny (Culture) as Chairman, Edo State Consumer Protection Committee by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo is not just an appointment. It is a declaration. A declaration that this government belongs to the people, and that capacity will always defeat tribalism.
“For too long, our people have watched positions go to godfathers, to zoning, to sentiment. Today, merit has spoken. The streets are saying it. The markets are saying it. The youths are saying it: At last. A round peg in a round hole. Long overdue. He has paid his dues.”
Going further, the group added: “Governor Monday Okpebholo has shown uncommon boldness and political will. By looking beyond party lines, beyond godfatherism, and beyond sentiments to pick a man of proven capacity, he has reminded Edo people what purposeful leadership looks like. This singular act has restored faith in government and proven that the Okpebholo administration is truly a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. For this, Edo people say thank you, Your Excellency.
“Mr. Iyamu is one of us. A son of the soil who has walked with the people, fought for the people, and earned the trust of the people. His appointment rekindles hope. It tells every Edo son and daughter that hard work still counts in Edo State under the Okpebholo-led administration.
“This is the kind of politics we have been yearning for. Politics without godfatherism. Politics with comradeship. Politics that puts the consumer, the trader, the artisan, and the common man first.
“Therefore, we the undersigned civil society groups, on behalf of millions of Edo people, call on all stakeholders, market women, youth groups, community leaders, and every well-meaning Edo person to stand shoulder to shoulder with this young, dynamic, and tested leader.
“Let us give him the solidarity, the support, and the strength to deliver on the mandate of the Committee. The task ahead is serious, but with the backing of the people, victory is certain.”