By Pius Alile
In the run-up to the September 21 Edo State Governorship Election, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, as the APC Candidate, made promises against the backdrop of the desire of Edo people for something more tangible than what they were getting from the PDP government. This, coupled with his trustworthy character, obviously resonated with the people more than what his opponents offered. Thus, he was given the mandate to govern by the majority vote.
Right from the day he was inaugurated – November 12, 2024, Governor Monday Okpebholo has shown that he will keep faith with the promises he made as well as improve on established processes of governance.
Therefore, marking a departure from the past whereby it took not less than five months before appointing commissioners, special advisers, and other critical officers of government, Governor Monday Okpebholo started the process of crucial appointments on the day of his inauguration. And in less than two months, he has appointed the SSG, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and nine Commissioners. He has also constituted boards, including the State Universal Basic Education Board, Edo State Oil and Gas Communities Development Commission, Local Government Service Commission, State Civil Service Commission, Edo State Internal Revenue Board, and the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University. He has also made other appointments into critical government agencies like FEWMAP, EDOGIS, etcetera. It is important to note that the governor has not just been making appointments, but has been appointing competent and deserving citizens. This is a demonstration of the urgency the Governor attaches to the manifestation of his development agenda.
Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo, in fulfilment of his commitment to infrastructural development in the state, spared no time in flagging off the construction of a flyover in the Ramat Park section of Ikpoba Hill, which has been a horror of traffic bottleneck in the state capital for ages. Surprisingly, this monumental commitment was embarked upon, less than a week in office. In addition to this, the Governor has commissioned new road projects as well as encouraged the continuation of the ones such as Upper Ekewan, Upper Mission/Aduwawa, Temboga, he met in different stages of abandonment across Benin City and other parts of the state.
Furthermore, he has fulfilled his promise to uphold the honour and respect for the Oba of Benin and the Edo Traditional Institution, Governor Monday Okpebholo by restoring the full statutory rights of the Oba, which had been slightly eroded by the immediate past Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Interestingly, prior to the coming of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the high cost of foodstuff in our markets had been exacerbated by the unholy practices of self-centred market unions and associations. To stop this ugly situation, Governor Okpebholo promptly banned the unions and associations from the markets. This has put a stop from the obnoxious regulations that affect the high cost of foodstuffs.
In the area of education, Governor Okpebholo has breathed life into the management of the state-owned Ambrose Alli University by raising its subvention from N41m to N500m. He has also approved massive rehabilitation of public schools across the state.
Another issue that had been of great concern in Edo State before Governor Okpebholo came to power, was insecurity, particularly violent cult related insecurity. The Governor did not waste time in showing that he understood that he is the Chief Security Officer of the State, with the authority of command. He gave marching orders to the Commissioner of Police to bring the situation under control at all costs, whilst supporting the police force and other security agencies with logistics for enforcement. Since taking action, the incidences of violent cult clashes and killings have significantly abated.
To further promote peace and security across the state, Governor Monday Okpebholo with the security heads, is redesigning the security architecture of the state for maximum effectiveness. To this end, he has made significant investment in security logistics, including the purchase of 70 Hilux Vans worth billions of naira, for security patrols.
In the two months he has been in office, the Governor has shown that he his very worker friendly. He had during the campaign promised the prioritization of workers’ welfare. He has fulfilled this promise by prompt payment of salaries. He demonstrated a high degree of sensitivity towards civil servants and pensioners, when he paid them the 13th month salary, an additional payment in December, in order to make the Christmas and New Year celebrations less stressful.
As the saying goes: “the morning shows the day”. Going by this axiom, it is fair to conclude that with the evidence of his achievement in 60 days, Monday Okpebholo holds before Edo people the potential of fulfilling the promises he has made, and that truly, a new Edo is rising.
Hon. Pius Alile is the Deputy Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor
