From Tony Osauzo, Benin

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Immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday reflected on his humble background and said he surpassed his expectations in life by becoming governor.
In an emotion laden speech yesterday evening at Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, during a grand reception for him by the people of Edo North Senatorial District, Oshiomhole said he was forever indebted to the people of the state for the privilege he was given to serve.
Referring to her mother who was present on the occasion, he said “for my mother, I don’t know what is going through her mind right now. It was not in our imagination that I would be councilor.”
He told the gathering that his successor in office, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was one of those who encouraged him to run for governor in 2006.
“I am happy he is the governor now‎ and he is a worthy successor who will do better than me,” ex-governor Oshiomhole said.
He said there were many projects his administration was committed to executing, but could not carry out because of the drop in revenue owing to the fall in the international price of crude oil.
“There is still so much to be done that we couldn’t do,” the former governor said, and apologised to the people and communities that did not benefit from projects under his administration.
Oshiomhole, however, expressed confidence that Obaseki, who was part of the planning‎, and now the governor, would attend to those projects, stressing that every part of the state deserved development. The former governor, while admitting his imperfection, asked for forgiveness from those he might have offended unintentionally, just as he said he has also forgiven those who offended him. Earlier in an address, the chairman of the reception committee, Mr. Tom Uloko, said the people were proud of his good governance and performance in office.