By SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has sworn in Mr. Iyobo Igharo as Sole Administrator for Orhionmwon Local Government Council.

Igharo is to administer the local government for two months, pending the outcome of investigation into the alleged trip to Italy by the suspended chairman of the council, Chief Roland Ibierutowhen, the vice chairman and the entire legislative arm of the local government.

Speaking after administering the oath of office on Igharo, Oshiomhole urged him to work closely with the supervisors to bring development to the area.

He said: “Let me congratulate you for your appointment as the Sole Administrator of Orhionmwon Local Government for a period of two months while the enquiry we have set up is on to determine precisely what to do. I expect you to work closely with the supervisory councillors that are there and who are not affected by the suspension order.

“Between you and your supervisory councillors, it is now your lot to provide leadership for the local government and you are entitled to perform all those duties that the local government chairman is supposed to perform.

“I expect that you would consult, that you would be guided by the Ministry of Local Government under the supervision of the Deputy Governor. All you do during this period shall reflect the aspirations of the people of the local government area.

“You are being called upon to do a very difficult task. As they say, there can be no vacuum in leadership. I believe you have what it takes to do the job. But know that it is a temporary job. You should try and look at what the long term plans are  and what you think you can do. It is not your business to look at long term projects that your short term cannot accommodate.

“Let me be clear that your business is not to take the local government money and share to party leaders or to do any of those things that are unlawful. Again, in the procurement of the things that the local people do not need, remember you are there as a stop gap pending when the picture is clear and the government decides which direction to go.”

Explaining why he chose Igharo, Oshiomhole said: “I believe we should use a seasoned person like you so that we can insulate the civil service from political exposure which, in the long run, may not be in the interest of the local government.”

Oshiomhole advised him to comply with all laid down rules and follow due process in all transactions so that he would not have any problem with anyone.

Responding, the sole administrator pledged to discharge his responsibility with diligence and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.