Idahosa Dismisses ‘Politics Is Dirty’ Narrative, Hails Okpebholo’s Support at Birthday Celebration

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa (centre), cutting his 56th birthday anniversary cake at Government House, Benin City. With him are the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, Esq. (3rd left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa (3rd right); newly sworn-in Permanent Secretary, Duku Ozigbo (left); Hon. Kizito Okpebholo (2nd left); Provost, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Associate Professor Nosakhare Liberty Arodoye (2nd right); and the newly elected Chairman of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Anthony Osarobo Osaro (right). Photo: Moses Oboh

BENIN CITY — Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has rejected the widely held notion that politics is inherently dirty, citing his cordial working relationship with Governor Monday Okpebholo as evidence that political leadership can be built on trust, mutual respect and cooperation.

Idahosa stated this on Tuesday during a surprise birthday celebration organised for him by members of staff of the Office of the Deputy Governor.

According to him, Governor Okpebholo has broken conventional political stereotypes by relating with him not merely as a deputy but as a younger brother, while providing the support needed for him to effectively discharge his responsibilities.

“My Principal, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has always treated me as a younger brother. My boss is one of the strongest pillars that I have. Whatever I do out there, he has always given me the opportunity to shine and display my potential for Edo people,” Idahosa said.

The Deputy Governor expressed appreciation for the goodwill messages received from public and civil servants, family members, friends and other well-wishers on the occasion of his birthday.

He also commended the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oyenwense Abieyuwa, and other members of staff, saying the cordial relationship between them reflected effective communication and teamwork within his office.

Idahosa said he was dedicating this year’s birthday to God Almighty, while paying an emotional tribute to his late mother, Madam Esther Imaguomwanruo Idahosa.

“This my birthday is dedicated to God Almighty. Same time last year, my mum dressed gallantly to be with me in church, but this year, she has gone to be with her Maker. I am extremely grateful to God for the life that she lived,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, described Idahosa as an example of humility and praised the support he gives to the governor and those who work with him.

“The kind of support you give to the Governor and everyone who works with you is phenomenal,” Okungbowa said.

He also described the relationship between the Deputy Governor, his Permanent Secretary and members of staff as exemplary, before offering prayers for the celebrant.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, said he was impressed by Governor Okpebholo’s birthday tribute to his deputy on Facebook.

While eulogising and praying for Idahosa, Musa urged him to remain humble and not allow the praises and commendations from the governor and other well-wishers to distract him from the values that had defined his public service.

Other personalities who delivered goodwill messages included the Rector of Usen Polytechnic, Dr. Nosakhare Arudoye Liberty; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Duke Ozigbo, who spoke about Idahosa’s simplicity; Special Adviser to the Governor, Kizito Okpebholo; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Patrick Ebojele.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also attended the celebration and identified with the Deputy Governor.